By Gabriel Ameh
Police Arrest 47 Suspects, Rescue Five Kidnap Victims in 24-Hour Operations
The Nigeria Police Force has arrested 47 suspects and rescued five kidnap victims in a series of intelligence-led operations conducted across seven states within 24 hours.
The operations were carried out in Delta, Benue, Abia, Sokoto, Anambra, Kano and Oyo states, according to the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu.
The police also recovered firearms, ammunition, weapons, suspected illicit drugs and other exhibits during the operations.
In Delta State, police operatives raided a suspected kidnappers’ and armed robbers’ hideout near Uduere Community in Ughelli North Local Government Area.
The suspects reportedly engaged the operatives in a gun duel before fleeing with suspected gunshot injuries.
An AK-47 rifle, two magazines, 55 rounds of live ammunition, a pump-action gun, seven live cartridges, a jackknife, cutlass, mobile phone and other items were recovered.
In another operation in Delta, police rescued a 16-year-old girl, Ifunanya Chiwetalu, after an investigation indicated that her alleged abduction had been staged to extort her family.
One suspect was arrested, while four live cartridges, two battle axes, a walkie-talkie, knife, mobile phones and other exhibits were recovered.
In Benue State, tactical operatives and other security personnel rescued four kidnap victims after pursuing suspected armed kidnappers into a forest.
The victims were rescued unhurt following a gun battle with the suspects, while the commercial vehicle in which they were travelling was also recovered.
In Abia State, three suspected kidnappers were arrested in Osisioma Local Government Area following a tracking operation.
Police said an 18-year-old victim, Ifeoma Obinna, was rescued, while two daggers and her mobile phone were recovered.
In Sokoto State, two suspected bandit informants and terrorism financiers were arrested with two motorcycles and 10 jerrycans of petroleum products allegedly meant for supply to armed bandits.
The police said the suspects were also providing information to assist security operatives in tracking other members of the network.
In Anambra State, nine suspected cultists were arrested in Okpoko. Police recovered a locally made firearm, live cartridge, charms, machete, beret and sword.
In Kano State, 13 suspects allegedly terrorising residents of Hotoro Mahautar Gabas were arrested after police operatives traced them to their hideouts.
Recovered items included cutlasses, axes, a sword, knives, hammer, hacksaws, sticks, sharp iron rods, assorted charms and other exhibits.
Police in Kano also said they prevented a potential clash between supporters of two political candidates during a campaign programme.
One suspect was arrested after three gunshots were reportedly fired from a vehicle, while normalcy was restored at the scene.
In Oyo State, three suspects, including a Customs officer, were arrested after police intercepted a Lexus GX 470 Jeep bearing a suspected fake registration number.
Police said suspected illicit drugs, including Canadian Loud, Codeine, Local Loud and Indian Hemp, were recovered.
Also in Oyo, police arrested 25-year-old Abiodun Musibau Olalekan following an armed robbery alert.
A stolen mobile phone and a Bajaj motorcycle were recovered, while efforts are ongoing to arrest his fleeing accomplice.
The Nigeria Police Force said all the cases are under investigation at the respective State Criminal Investigation Departments.
The Force added that efforts are continuing to arrest fleeing suspects and uncover the wider networks allegedly linked to the crimes.
Credit: Nigeria Police Force
