The Nigeria Police Force has recorded major breakthroughs in its ongoing efforts to combat violent crimes across the country, rescuing two kidnap victims, arresting nine suspected kidnappers, and neutralizing three bandits in a series of coordinated operations.
According to a press release issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the operations also led to the recovery of a significant cache of arms and stolen vehicles, further highlighting the Force’s intensified efforts against kidnapping, cultism, and armed robbery.
In Benue State, operatives of the State Police Command acting on intelligence, stormed Sankera on May 3, 2025, where a group of suspected bandits from Shitele and Ukum were reportedly holding a secret meeting to plan attacks.
A fierce gun battle ensued at the Tse-Gondo axis, leading to the death of three armed suspects. Recovered from the scene were two locally fabricated guns and several live cartridges.
Meanwhile, in Delta State, police operatives attached to the Commissioner of Police Special Assignment team arrested a notorious car snatcher, Henry Okpor, on April 22. Among items recovered were a pump-action gun and two suspected stolen vehicles: a Toyota Highlander (RBC-414-BL) and a Hyundai (LSD-367-DU).
Further anti-crime operations in the state led to the arrest of two cultists—Mudiaga Okparume and Arinze Humble—on April 25. They were found with two Beretta pistols and five live rounds and were confirmed to be members of the Vikings confraternity.
In a dramatic rescue operation on April 26, Delta State Police Command successfully rescued two kidnapped victims from Uvwiama forest in Ughelli North Local Government Area.
The operatives, acting on a report from Agbarho, tracked the suspects and arrested nine individuals. A cache of weapons was recovered, including three pump-action guns, three double and single-barrel guns, a locally made gun, and 13 live cartridges.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, commended the operatives for their gallantry and reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to eradicating violent crimes through intelligence-led policing and community collaboration.
“All suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations,” the statement concluded.
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