The Nigeria Police Force has recorded significant breakthroughs in recent operations against violent crime, leading to the rescue of kidnap victims, the arrest of suspected kidnappers and cultists, and the recovery of a substantial cache of arms and stolen vehicles.
In a statement on Sunday 4th of May 4, 2025, Force Public Relations Officer Force Headquarters, Abuja ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said in Benue State, operatives of the Police Command, acting on credible intelligence, confronted a group of armed bandits suspected to be from Shitele and Ukum during a clandestine meeting in Sankera on May 3, 2025. Following a fierce gun battle near the Tse-Gondo axis, three bandits sustained fatal injuries and were later confirmed dead in hospital. The police recovered two locally fabricated firearms and live cartridges at the scene.
He said in Delta State, the Command’s CP Special Assignment team arrested a suspected serial car thief, Henry Okpor, on April 22, 2025. A pump-action rifle, a Toyota Highlander (Reg. No. RBC-414-BL), and a Hyundai vehicle (Reg. No. LSD-367-DU), believed to be stolen, were recovered during the operation.
Adejobi added that further operations in Delta also disrupted cultist activity. On April 25, operatives apprehended Mudiaga Okparume and Arinze Humble, identified members of the Vikings confraternity. Two Beretta pistols and five rounds of ammunition were seized from the suspects.
He said on April 26, in response to a reported kidnapping in Agbarho, Delta State, police operatives traced suspects to Uvwiamuge forest in Ughelli North LGA. During an intense operation, two kidnap victims were safely rescued, nine suspects were arrested, and an arsenal was recovered—including three pump-action guns, three double and single-barrel firearms, a locally made gun, and thirteen live cartridges.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, commended the operatives for their commitment and urged all officers to intensify efforts in tackling violent crimes nationwide. He reiterated the Force’s dedication to intelligence-driven policing and swift responses to criminal activity to ensure public safety. All arrested suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
