The Nigeria Police Force spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi, said that the police have neutralised suspected kidnappers, and rescued some victims.
This was even as the Police re-strategizes to curb kidnap in the country.
According to Adejobi, as a follow-up to the Force’s determination, and in a remarkable display of skill and coordination, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force successfully carried out a hostage rescue operation on the 31st of December, 2024 at Kwande Local Government Area, Benue State, which led to the neutralisation of three kidnappers during the operation.
The image maker explained that the Police operatives of the Vandiekya Police Divisional Headquarters, Benue State, received a distress call concerning the kidnap of one Tor Gajir by unknown gunmen at the Kwande LGA of the state.
Adejobi said: “Upon receipt of this information, the investigation was swiftly escalated, and the police operatives followed the trail to one Desmond Ahar.
“The suspect was accosted, and subsequent interrogation revealed the suspect was part of the kidnappers. The suspect, Desmond Ahar, then led the operatives to where the victim was being kept at Adikpo, Benue State.
“Upon arrival at the kidnappers’ den, the kidnappers spotted the police operatives and immediately engaged them in a gun duel. In the ensuing confrontation, officers were able to neutralize three of the suspects, while others fled with bullet wounds.
“The victim was rescued unhurt and immediately given medical attention to assess any physical or psychological impact. The success of the operation also led to the recovery of 2 AK-47s and 6 loaded magazines, with several live ammunition. Efforts are intensified to apprehend the fleeing member of the gang and recover other arms.”
In a similar operation in Nasarawa State, police operatives attached to the state command located an abandoned sienna vehicle on the 28th of December 2024, along Keffi-Kaduna Highway, Angwan Wayo Village, suspected to have been attacked.
The operatives followed the trail and located two hostages who had been captured by kidnappers. The victims were rescued unhurt, and efforts are still ongoing to arrest the fleeing kidnappers.
Again, on the 7th of January 2025, police operatives of the Bayelsa State Command intercepted one Usman Mohammed ‘m’ en route to Rivers State.
“A thoroughly conducted search led to the recovery of 1 AK-47 rifle, 1 Type 09 AR, 2 AK-47 Magazines, 2 Type 09 AR Magazines, and 120 rounds of ammunition of various calibres concealed by the vehicle. The suspect has been arrested, and the investigation is still ongoing,” said Adejobi.
Adejobi explained that the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has commended the operatives for these successes recorded specifically in the affected states and across the country in general while charging them to sustain the tempo to attain excellence in internal security and safety in Nigeria.
He further noted that the incidents highlight the bravery and dedication of our police officers to keep our communities safe.
The IGP further encourages members of the community to remain vigilant and volunteer to play their role towards ensuring public safety and general security in Nigeria.
