Police intensify rescue operations as kidnappings persist across states

The Nigeria Police Force has activated multiple rescue operations across several states following a wave of abduction incidents.

CSP Ani Iniedu, the Force Public Relations Officer, disclosed this in a state-by-state executive summary of the Force’s operational activities.

In the Federal Capital Territory, police and local vigilantes launched a joint tracking operation following the abduction of a 51-year-old man at Bobota Village, Kwali. Operatives recovered three empty K-2 ammunition shells from the scene, while efforts continued to track the victim’s mobile phone to locate and rescue him and apprehend the perpetrators.

Also in Oyo State, police operatives, the Amotekun Corps, vigilantes and local hunters mobilised in response to the abduction of a resident at Taaju Settlement, Iseyin, with the Command Anti-Kidnapping Squad reinforcing the operation.

“Intensive bush-combing is ongoing to locate and rescue the victim,” the statement said.

In Bauchi State, police operatives and the Anti-Kidnapping Unit mobilised following the abduction of a woman from her residence at Lamba Village, Itas/Gadau Local Government Area, with surrounding areas being combed in sustained efforts to rescue the victim and apprehend those responsible.

In Zamfara State, police tactical teams and other security operatives launched rescue and pursuit operations following separate armed attacks and abductions along the Fegin Mahe-Mada Road and Shemori-Mada Road in Gusau Local Government Area. The corpses of victims killed during the attacks were evacuated to hospitals for autopsy, while tactical teams commenced search and pursuit operations. Following another attack at Take Tsaba Village in Talata Mafara Local Government Area, police VCRU operatives and the military visited the scene and began combing surrounding bushes in an effort to rescue abducted persons and apprehend the perpetrators.

Beyond the rescue operations, the police also recorded arrests linked to armed robbery and cult-related violence. In Oyo State, two suspected members of a trans-border armed robbery syndicate were arrested along the Ibadan-Ilorin Expressway after abandoning a stolen Lexus RX 350 and fleeing into the bush. Police recovered the vehicle alongside laptops, a phone, and jewellery belonging to the victim.

In Akwa Ibom State, five suspected armed robbers were arrested at their hideout by detectives of the Eagle Response Squad, following investigations into an armed robbery incident. The suspects were identified through CCTV footage and reportedly confessed to the crime, while two locally made pistols were recovered as exhibits.

In Ekiti State, three suspected cultists were arrested after police operatives responded to an attack by armed hoodlums in Ijadu Community, with a locally made gun, an axe, charms and other exhibits recovered. Efforts were ongoing to arrest other fleeing members of the group, including its alleged leader.

In Lagos State, a suspected armed robber was arrested during a stop-and-search operation at Alakija, with a prototype shotgun and stolen phones recovered, while other members of the gang remained at large.

The police said investigations and rescue operations across the affected states are ongoing