Police Rescue 10 Kidnapped Victims In Katsina, Recover 9 Guns
Police has announced the rescue of 10 passengers on April 19, when it’s operatives from Faskari Division, Katsina State, foiled a kidnap attempt along the Funtua-Gusau highway at about 9:35pm.
“The operatives engaged the bandits in a fierce gun duel, causing them to escape with bullet wounds,” a statement by Ademuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer said on Sunday.
“As a result of the swift response, ten victims, including two drivers and eight passengers, were rescued unhurt and reunited with their families.”
The police also said on April 18, 2025 at about 11:00 AM, operatives attached to the Taraba State Intelligence Department (SID) and local vigilance members successfully apprehended a wanted criminal, Umar Ahmad, 40, at a roadblock in Jalingo.
Ahmad was declared wanted by the police several months ago.
“Following interrogation, Ahmad led operatives to Mayo Faran Village in Mayo Belwa LGA, a border town between Taraba and Adamawa states.
“A comprehensive search of the area led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, eight magazines, and thirty-nine rounds of live ammunition.
“Further investigation revealed that one of the recovered gun belongs to the Taraba State Police Command which was earlier carted away during an ambush in 2023, where kidnappers attacked a team of the Anti-Kidnapping squad, resulting in the death of one ASP Aminu Nuhu.”
Similarly, the police further said its personnel in Fegge Divisional Headquarters, Anambra State, on April 17, at about 1:30pm, discovered five pump-action guns, eight live cartridges, and two handcuffs concealed in a bag of rice in an abandoned bus parked along Port Harcourt-Upper Iweka-Onitsha Road.
Meanwhile, officers from the command’s Rapid Response Squad and Anti-Kidnapping Unit, based on credible intelligence, arrested 25-year-old Israel Akachukwu at his residence on Ezeigwe Street Nkpor, Idemili North LGA.
“A search conducted at his apartment led to the recovery of two pump-action guns, two live cartridges, a cutlass, a yellow axe, and a dagger.
“The suspect confessed to being a member of the Vikings Confraternity and is cooperating with the police to identify and arrest other members of the gang.”
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun has commended the officers for their professionalism and prompt response, which has led to these remarkable successes.
The IGP reiterated the commitment of the Force to protecting the lives and property of citizens, and said these recent successes demonstrate the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing and the dedication of the officers in combating crime across the nation.
