Nigerian Police forces have recorded significant successes against criminal gangs with the rescue of 11 kidnapped victims in Katsina State and the arrest of key kidnapping suspects in Delta State, according to a statement from Force Headquarters.
On June 8, 2025, a Joint Task Force comprising police and other security agencies intercepted a kidnapping attempt along the Danmusa–Mara Dangeza village road in Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State. The operation resulted in a fierce gun battle with armed bandits who were attempting to escape with their victims.
Successful Rescue Operation in Katsina
According to Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, the security operatives overpowered the criminals, who fled with gunshot wounds, and successfully rescued all 11 victims without injuries. The timely intervention of the joint security team prevented what could have been another tragic kidnapping incident in the region.
Cross-State Kidnapping Syndicate Dismantled in Delta
In a separate operation in Delta State, operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team arrested 30-year-old Abubakar Hassan, identified as a kingpin of a cross-state kidnapping syndicate operating across Delta, Rivers, Imo, and Enugu States.
During interrogation, Hassan reportedly confessed to leading several kidnapping operations along the Ughelli–Ozoro axis. He subsequently led police to his hideout in a forest in Ozoro, where authorities recovered two AK-47 rifles, four magazines, and thirty-two rounds of live ammunition. The arrest follows the earlier capture of three other members of his gang.
Weapons Seizure During Routine Check
In another successful operation, Safer Highway Patrol officers intercepted a vehicle during routine stop-and-search duties along Ughelli Road in Delta State. A search of the vehicle revealed one locally fabricated revolver pump-action single-barrel rifle and fifteen rounds of live cartridges. The driver, identified as 38-year-old Obi Ezekiel, was arrested at the scene.
These operations highlight the ongoing efforts by Nigerian security forces to combat kidnapping and illegal arms trafficking, which have remained persistent security challenges in various parts of the country.
The police have not disclosed whether the operations were connected to any specific kidnapping incidents reported earlier, but the arrests represent significant progress in the fight against organized criminal activities in the affected states.
Stay updated with the latest news by following BenriNews on social media:
