The Nigeria Police Force has recorded another major breakthrough in its ongoing campaign against kidnapping and arms trafficking with the rescue of a victim, arrest of eight suspects, and the recovery of a cache of arms and ammunition in Delta and Kaduna States.
According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the operations were coordinated through intelligence-led policing and executed by tactical teams across the two states.
In Kaduna State, operatives of the command launched a rescue mission following the abduction of one Hussaini Ibrahim from Jagindi Tasha Village in Jema’a Local Government Area.
The operation paid off as the kidnappers, sensing the pressure from advancing officers, abandoned the victim in a nearby forest. Ibrahim was rescued unharmed and reunited with his family.
Further investigations into the incident led to the arrest of four suspects believed to be directly involved in the abduction. The suspects were identified as Umar Yusuf Jabiri of Jagindi Tasha, Buhari Muhammad, also known as “General” of Bayya village, Ahmadu Nasiru of Gidan Waya, and Zakari Saleh.
Police operatives recovered one AK-47 rifle and two locally fabricated versions of the same weapon from the suspects during the operation.
In another development, officers attached to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit intercepted a suspicious waybill en route from Jos in Plateau State to Gusau in Zamfara State.
A thorough search of the consignment revealed an AK-47 rifle concealed inside a sack. This discovery triggered further investigation to trace the source and intended recipients of the firearm.
Subsequently, two suspects, identified as Abdulmumin Sani and Naziru Musa, were arrested in Gusau. They had reportedly arrived in the state to take delivery of the weapon, which originated from Kaduna.
Meanwhile, in Delta State, a joint team comprising the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), the X-Squad, and Buffalo Patrol operatives stormed a kidnapping hideout along Ibusa Road.
During the raid, one Chiadiji Collins, popularly known as “Smooth,” aged 42, was arrested. Collins is a suspected notorious kidnapper linked with several abduction cases in Ibusa, Ogwashi-Uku, and Asaba.
A subsequent search of his residence in Ewulu community, Aniocha South Local Government Area, uncovered one AK-47 rifle and forty rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.
Investigations also led to the arrest of another suspect, Ezechie Andrew, who was found with two pump-action guns and two live cartridges in his possession.
All the suspects are currently in custody and assisting investigators in tracking down other members of their respective criminal gangs. Police authorities confirmed they will be charged to court once investigations are completed.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun, praised the operatives for their professionalism, tactical precision, and bravery in carrying out the operations. He emphasized the Force’s resolve to stay ahead of criminal elements through intelligence-led policing, inter-agency collaboration, and community partnerships.
The police chief also appealed to citizens to remain vigilant and provide timely information that would assist law enforcement agencies in the fight against crime, stressing that public support remains critical to sustaining internal security.
