In a decisive blow against criminal activities, Nigerian police operatives have successfully neutralized seven suspected kidnappers and arrested five armed robbery suspects, recovering two AK-47 rifles and five stolen vehicles in coordinated operations across Delta and Kaduna States. These efforts highlight the Nigeria Police Force’s ongoing commitment to curbing violent crimes and ensuring the safety of citizens through intelligence-led policing and strategic collaboration with local security outfits.
On June 4, 2025, officers from the Delta State Police Command, working in conjunction with local vigilantes and anti-cult groups, engaged suspected kidnappers along the Abraka Railway axis following credible intelligence reports. The ensuing gun battle resulted in the neutralization of four kidnappers, the seizure of one AK-47 rifle, and thirteen rounds of live ammunition. Later the same day, the Command’s CP-Special Assignment Team intercepted a shuttle bus near Ewhereni Junction on the Ughelli-Patani Road. When the suspects attempted to flee by opening fire on the police operatives, a fierce shootout ensued. This confrontation led to the neutralization of three more suspected kidnappers and the recovery of another AK-47 rifle loaded with eighteen rounds of ammunition. Investigations reveal that the gang is linked to a notorious kidnapping syndicate that has been terrorizing communities within Delta State.
Meanwhile, in Kaduna State, police officers successfully apprehended five suspected armed robbers responsible for a spate of violent robberies across the region. The breakthrough came after the recovery of a stolen Toyota Hilux, reported missing since May 28, 2025, from the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja. Following a high-speed chase near Zaria, one of the suspects, Mohammed Kabir, originally from Samaru Gusau in Zamfara State, was arrested. The arrest also led to the recovery of a Toyota Camry found abandoned close to the Kaduna-Abuja Expressway. Another stolen vehicle, a Honda CR-V, was recovered following the arrest of Emmanuel Oliseh, who confessed to stealing it from Abuja. Additionally, three suspects — Ibrahim Bala, Abdulsalam Abdullahi, and Abdulraman Muktar, were intercepted with a 1998 model Toyota Camry and admitted to stealing the vehicle from Nasarawa State.
Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has praised the swift and effective response of the operatives, emphasizing the critical role of actionable intelligence and collaborative efforts between the police and local security stakeholders in tackling crime. The IGP also called on the public to continue providing timely information to security agencies, reinforcing that community involvement remains vital in maintaining peace and security across Nigeria.
