The Nigeria Police Force has recorded significant breakthroughs in recent operations in Kaduna State, rescuing 17 kidnapped victims, recovering 21 fabricated AK-47 rifles, and neutralizing three armed robbery suspects, according to a press briefing delivered by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Wednesday.
The operations, executed in line with the strategic directives of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, reflect the Force’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and inter-agency collaboration aimed at ensuring public safety across Nigeria.
On April 9, operatives of the Kaduna State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, working with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), rescued 17 victims abducted over a month ago from Sarkin Pawa, Niger State.
The victims, ranging in age from one to 35 years, were safely recovered through a non-kinetic operation and taken to the Police Clinic in Kaduna for medical checks. All were certified to be in stable and sound health. 
In a separate operation on the same day, officers intercepted a commercial Volkswagen Sharan vehicle at Kawo Central Motor Park in Kaduna. A thorough search of the vehicle revealed 21 locally fabricated AK-47 rifles hidden inside.
The suspect, 27-year-old Jamilu Suleiman of Rafin Guza, Kaduna, was arrested and confessed to being directed by a union member to deliver the weapons to an unidentified individual. The police have launched a full-scale investigation to uncover the arms trafficking network behind the operation.
Earlier that morning, a swift response to a distress call led to a gun battle between police officers and a gang of approximately 30 armed robbers at Doggi Farm, along the Kaduna–Abuja Expressway.
Two suspects were neutralized during the exchange, while others fled. Two additional suspects were captured, one of whom later died from injuries sustained. The surviving suspect is currently aiding police investigations.
ACP Adejobi reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to sustaining the momentum against criminal elements and assured the public of continued efforts to dismantle criminal networks across the country.
LV