The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a series of operational successes across several states, including the rescue of five kidnap victims, arrest of dozens of suspects and recovery of firearms, ammunition, weapons and other exhibits within the last 24 hours.
According to the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the operations were carried out across Delta, Benue, Abia, Sokoto, Anambra, Kano and Oyo States based on intelligence-led interventions by police operatives.
In Delta State, police operatives raided a suspected kidnappers’ and armed robbers’ hideout near Uduere Community in Ughelli North Local Government Area, engaging the suspects in a gun duel and forcing them to flee with bullet injuries. The operatives recovered an AK-47 rifle, two magazines, 55 rounds of live ammunition, a pump-action gun, seven live cartridges, a jackknife, cutlass, mobile phone and other exhibits.
Also in Delta, police rescued a 16-year-old girl, identified as Ifunanya Chiwetalu, after an investigation established that her alleged abduction had been staged to extort her family. One suspect was arrested, while four live cartridges, two battle axes, a walkie-talkie, knife, mobile phones and other items were recovered.
In Benue State, police tactical operatives and other security personnel rescued four kidnap victims after pursuing armed suspects into a forest and engaging them in a gun duel. The victims were rescued unhurt, while the commercial vehicle in which they were travelling was also recovered.
In Abia State, three suspected kidnappers were arrested in Osisioma Local Government Area following a tracking operation. An 18-year-old victim, identified as Ifeoma Obinna, was rescued, with two daggers and her mobile phone recovered.
In Sokoto State, two suspected bandit informants and terrorism financiers were arrested with two motorcycles and 10 jerrycans of petroleum products allegedly intended for supply to armed bandits. Police said the suspects were providing useful information to aid the arrest of other members of the network.
Meanwhile, Anambra State police arrested nine suspected cultists in Okpoko and recovered a locally-made firearm, live cartridge, charms, machete, beret and sword.
In Kano State, 13 suspects allegedly terrorising residents of Hotoro Mahautar Gabas were arrested after police operatives traced them to their hideouts. Recovered from the suspects were cutlasses, axes, sword, knives, hammer, hacksaws, sticks, sharp iron rods, assorted charms and other exhibits.
Police in Kano also prevented an imminent clash between supporters of two political candidates during a campaign programme. One suspect was arrested after three gunshots were reportedly fired from a vehicle, while normalcy was restored.
In Oyo State, three suspects, including a Customs officer, were arrested after police intercepted a Lexus GX 470 Jeep bearing a suspected fake registration number. Suspected hard drugs, including Canadian Loud, Codeine, Local Loud and Indian Hemp, were recovered.
Also in Oyo, police arrested 25-year-old Abiodun Musibau Olalekan following an armed robbery alert and recovered a stolen mobile phone and a Bajaj motorcycle. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend his fleeing accomplice.
The Force said all the cases are under investigation at the respective State Criminal Investigation Departments, while efforts continue to apprehend other fleeing suspects and unravel the wider networks behind the crimes.
0 Comments