Police Neutralize Nine Terrorists, Recover 23 Arms in Sustained Crackdown on Violent Crimes
In a series of intensified security operations across the country, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has neutralized nine terrorists, arrested one suspect, and recovered 23 firearms along with a cache of assorted ammunition. The operations, aimed at tackling violent and organized crimes, were carried out in Kebbi and Imo states.
A significant breakthrough occurred on February 14, 2025, when armed assailants invaded Gobiraje Village in Suru LGA, Kebbi State, kidnapping a 60-year-old man, Umaru Bawa. Acting swiftly, police operatives from the Kebbi State Command tracked the suspects to Tundafari Forest in Dakingari, where they engaged them in a fierce gun battle. The encounter led to the neutralization of four kidnappers, while one suspect was apprehended with fatal injuries. The kidnapped victim was successfully rescued unharmed, and authorities also recovered N3 million, which had already been paid as ransom.
Earlier, on February 8, 2025, a joint security operation in Imo State targeted an IPOB/ESN terrorist camp in Ezioha Mbaitolu, Umuele Umuaka Njaba LGA. The operation resulted in the neutralization of two top ESN commanders, the dismantling of the camp, and the recovery of seven AK-47 rifles, 13 pump-action guns, and hundreds of assorted live rounds of ammunition.
As a follow-up, on February 9, 2025, operatives advanced to Nkwukwo Forest in Mbaitoli LGA, bordering Ubachima Forest in Awomama Oru West LGA. The security team encountered a group of armed terrorists who opened fire on sight. In the ensuing gunfight, three terrorist kingpins were neutralized, and authorities seized two AK-47 rifles loaded with 36 rounds of live ammunition each, one pump-action gun, one cutlass, four motorcycles, and various criminal charms.
Commending the operatives for their bravery, Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, reaffirmed the force’s commitment to maintaining law and order. He emphasized the importance of intelligence gathering, community engagement, and timely reporting of suspicious activities to strengthen internal security.
The NPF reassured the public that security operations would continue with renewed intensity, reinforcing the commitment to protecting lives and property while dismantling criminal networks that threaten national peace.
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