The police say it has killed three kidnap suspects and rescued a kidnapped victim in Kwande Local Government Area of the in Benue State, while also rescuing two kidnap victim abducted along the Keffi-Kaduna Highway at Angwan Wayo Village in Nasarawa State.
This was contained in a signed statement by the Force Public Relations Ofiicer (FPRO), Olmuyiwa Adejobi.
Also, the police said in the statement that its operatives in Bayelsa State on January 7, 2025, intercepted one Usman Mohammed, who was en route to Rivers State and recovered one AK-47 rifle, 1 type 09 AR, two AK-47 magazines, two type 09 AR magazines and 120 rounds of ammunition of various calibers concealed inside the vehicle the suspect was driving.
“In a bid to solidify internal security and guarantee safety for all Nigerians, the Nigeria Police Force has again re-echoed its readiness to re-strategize operations in curbing kidnapping and similar crimes across the country.
“As a follow-up to the force’s determination and in a remarkable display of skill and coordination, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force successfully carried out a hostage rescue operation on the 31st of December, 2024 at Kwande Local Government Area, Benue State, which led to the neutralization of three kidnappers during the operation.
“The police operatives of the Vandiekya Police Divisional headquarters, received a distress call concerning the kidnap of one Tor Gajir by unknown gun men. Upon receipt of this information, investigation was swiftly escalated and the police operatives followed the trail to one Desmond Ahar.
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“The suspect was accosted and subsequent interrogation revealed the suspect was part of the kidnappers. The suspect then led operatives to where the victim was being kept at Adikpo, Benue State.
“Upon arrival at the kidnappers’ den, the kidnappers spotted the police operatives and immediately engaged them in a gun duel. In the ensuing confrontation, officers were able to neutralize three of the suspects, while others fled with bullet wounds.
“The victim was rescued unhurt and immediately given medical attention to assess any physical or psychological impact. The success of the operation also led to the recovery of two AK-47 and six loaded magazines, with several live ammunition. Efforts have been intensified to apprehend the fleeing members of the gang and recover other arms.
“In a similar operation in Nasarawa State, police operatives attached to the state command located an abandoned Toyota Sienna vehicle on the 28th of December, 2024, along the Keffi-Kaduna Highway, Angwan Wayo Village, suspected to have been attacked.
“The operatives followed the trail and located two hostages who had been captured by kidnappers. The victims were rescued unhurt, and efforts are still ongoing to arrest the fleeing kidnappers.
“More recently, on the 7th of January, 2025, police operatives of the Bayelsa State Command intercepted one Usman Mohammed, en route to Rivers State. A thoroughly conducted search led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, one type 09 AR, two AK-47 magazines, two type 09 AR magazines, and 120 rounds of ammunition of various calibers concealed inside the vehicle. The suspect has been arrested and the investigation is still ongoing, the statement stated.
