From Femi Oyelola in Kaduna
The Nigeria Police Force has made significant breakthroughs in its fight against kidnapping and gun running, with recent operations in Kaduna and Delta states yielding impressive results.
According to a statement made available to the media in Kaduna yesterday, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer, said eight high-profile suspects were arrested, and assorted firearms, ammunition, and fabricated weapons were recovered.
The statement stated that in Kaduna State, police operatives launched a coordinated rescue operation after one Hussaini Ibrahim was abducted from Jagindi Tasha Village, Jema’a LGA.
It added that the victim was successfully rescued when the abductors abandoned him in a nearby forest.
According the statement, a follow-up investigations led to the arrest of four suspects directly connected with the abduction: Umar Yusuf Jabiri* of Jagindi Tasha, Buhari Muhammad, a.k.a. “General” of Bayya village Ahmadu Nasiru* of Gidan Waya and Zakari Saleh.
Also, the police recovered one AK-47 rifle and two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles from the suspects.
The statement further stated that in another operation, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit intercepted a suspicious waybill from Jos, Plateau State, headed for Gusua, Zamfara State.
A detailed search led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle hidden inside a sack. Two suspects, Abdulmumin Sani and Naziru Musa, were arrested in connection with the firearm.
Similarly, in Delta State, operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) raided a kidnapping gang hideout along Ibusa Road. One Chiadiji Collins, a.k.a. “Smooth”, aged 42, a notorious suspected kidnapper, was apprehended.
“A search of his residence led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle and 40 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition. Further investigations led to the arrest of a second suspect, Ezechie Andrew, who was found in possession of two pump-action guns and two live cartridges.
“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun Ph.D, NPM, commended the tactical precision, professionalism, and bravery of the operatives involved in these successful operations”, the statement added.
The Police Spokesman also reaffirmed the commitment of the Force to remain ahead of criminal elements through intelligence-led policing, inter-agency collaboration, and robust community engagement..
