In a significant push against violent crime, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have neutralized seven suspected kidnappers and arrested five armed robbery suspects in a series of coordinated operations in Delta and Kaduna States.

According to the Force Headquarters, the operations—which reflect the Police’s continued commitment to internal security—resulted in the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, multiple rounds of live ammunition, and five stolen vehicles.

Gun Battles in Delta State

On June 4, 2025, police operatives attached to the Delta State Command, in collaboration with local vigilantes and anti-cult volunteers, acting on credible intelligence, confronted suspected kidnappers along the Abraka Railway axis. A gun battle ensued, leading to the neutralization of four suspects. One AK-47 rifle and thirteen rounds of live ammunition were recovered from the scene.

In a separate operation, the Delta State CP-Special Assignment Team intercepted a shuttle bus near Ewhereni Junction along the Ughelli-Patani Road. The occupants, upon sighting the operatives, opened fire in an attempt to escape. During the ensuing firefight, three suspected kidnappers were neutralized. Another AK-47 rifle, loaded with eighteen rounds of live ammunition, was recovered. Preliminary investigations confirmed that the gang was part of a well-known kidnapping syndicate terrorizing the state.

Arrests and Recoveries in Kaduna State

In Kaduna State, police operatives apprehended five members of an armed robbery syndicate responsible for a series of violent crimes. The breakthrough followed the theft of a Toyota Hilux on May 28, 2025, from the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja.

One of the suspects, Mohammed Kabir of Samaru Gusau in Zamfara State, was arrested after a high-speed pursuit near Zaria town. His arrest led to the recovery of a Toyota Camry abandoned near the Kaduna-Abuja Expressway.

Further investigations led to the arrest of another suspect, Emmanuel Oliseh, who had stolen a Honda CR-V from Abuja. A separate Toyota Camry (1998 model) was also intercepted with three suspects—identified as Ibrahim Bala, Abdulsalam Abdullahi, and Abdulraman Muktar—who confessed to stealing the vehicle in Nasarawa State.

IGP Commends Officers, Urges Public Support

Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, commended the officers involved for their swift and intelligence-driven response. He emphasized that the success of these operations demonstrates the effectiveness of collaboration between law enforcement and local security stakeholders.

The IGP also called on members of the public to continue providing timely and actionable information to the Police and other security agencies, stressing that such partnerships are vital to keeping communities and the nation safe.