The Nigeria Police Force has announced major breakthroughs in its sustained campaign against kidnapping, armed banditry, and gunrunning, following a series of coordinated, intelligence-led operations across Kaduna and Delta States.
Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement said the operations, carried out by tactical units, resulted in the rescue of a kidnap victim, the arrest of eight high-profile suspects, and the recovery of assorted firearms, ammunition, and fabricated weapons.
In Kaduna State, operatives of the command acted swiftly after the abduction of Hussaini Ibrahim from Jagindi Tasha Village, Jema’a Local Government Area. Following actionable intelligence, officers launched a carefully coordinated search-and-rescue mission. The sustained pressure compelled the kidnappers to abandon the victim in a nearby forest, enabling his safe rescue without ransom payment.
Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of four suspects directly linked to the abduction. They were identified as Umar Yusuf Jabiri of Jagindi Tasha, Buhari Muhammad (popularly known as “General”) of Bayya Village, Ahmadu Nasiru of Gidan Waya, and Zakari Saleh. Items recovered from the suspects included one AK-47 rifle and two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles, confirming their active involvement in kidnapping and illegal arms possession.
In a related development, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit intercepted a suspicious waybill sent from Jos, Plateau State, to Gusau, Zamfara State. A detailed search revealed an AK-47 rifle concealed inside a sack. Investigations traced the origin of the shipment and led to the arrest of two suspects, Abdulmumin Sani and Naziru Musa, who had arrived in Gusau to take delivery of the firearm. Their arrest is expected to provide critical intelligence for dismantling wider arms supply networks that fuel violent crimes in the region.
Meanwhile, in Delta State, operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), supported by the X-Squad and Buffalo Patrol units, stormed a notorious kidnap gang’s hideout along Ibusa Road. During the raid, 42-year-old Chiadiji Collins, also known as “Smooth,” was arrested. He is believed to be behind a string of abductions in the Ibusa, Ogwashi-Uku, and Asaba areas.
A search of Collins’ residence in Ewulu community, Aniocha South LGA, yielded one AK-47 rifle and 40 rounds of live 7.62mm ammunition. Follow-up operations also led to the arrest of another suspect, Ezechie Andrew, found in possession of two pump-action guns and two live cartridges.
According to police authorities, all suspects are currently assisting with investigations aimed at tracking down their accomplices and dismantling their networks. Upon conclusion of investigations, they will be formally charged to court to face the full weight of the law.
Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun, commended the professionalism, tactical precision, and bravery of the operatives involved in the operations. He described the successes as a clear reflection of the Force’s proactive reliance on intelligence gathering, inter-agency collaboration, and community engagement in tackling violent crime.
Reassuring Nigerians of the Police Force’s unwavering commitment to public safety, the IGP emphasized that the battle against criminal elements would be sustained and intensified. He called on citizens to remain vigilant, provide timely information to law enforcement, and continue supporting the police in the collective effort to secure the country.
