The Nigeria Police Force has intensified its operations, successfully neutralizing nine terrorists and recovering a significant cache of arms and ammunition across different states.
A major operation on February 14, 2025, saw police operatives attached to the Kebbi State Command engage in a fierce gun battle with armed kidnappers in Tundafari Forest, Dakingari axis of the state. The criminals had earlier invaded Gobiraje Village in Suru Local Government Area, abducting a 60-year-old man, Umaru Bawa. Police response led to the elimination of four kidnappers, the arrest of one suspect with fatal injuries, and the rescue of the victim unharmed. Additionally, law enforcement recovered a ransom sum of Three Million Naira (N3,000,000) that had been paid to the kidnappers.
In another tactical operation on February 8, 2025, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with other security agencies, raided a known IPOB/ESN terrorist camp in Ezioha Mbaitolu, located within Umuele Umuaka Njaba LGA of Imo State. The operation resulted in the neutralization of two kingpins and the recovery of seven AK-47 rifles, 13 pump-action guns, and hundreds of rounds of live ammunition. The camp was successfully dislodged.
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Following intelligence leads, the security forces launched a follow-up operation on February 9, 2025, targeting Nkwukwo Forest in Mbaitoli LGA, near the Ubachima Forest boundary in Awomama Oru West LGA, Imo State. Upon arrival, the operatives were met with gunfire from a group of terrorists. In the exchange, three terrorist kingpins were neutralized. Security forces also recovered two AK-47 rifles with 36 rounds of live ammunition each, one pump-action gun, a cutlass, four motorcycles, and various criminal charms.
These successes underscore the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to maintaining national security and dismantling criminal networks that threaten citizens’ safety. The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, commended the operatives for their bravery and reiterated the need for sustained vigilance. He urged the public to support security efforts by providing intelligence, engaging in community policing, and promptly reporting suspicious activities.
The Nigeria Police Force assured citizens that it will continue to intensify efforts to protect lives and property while fostering trust between law enforcement and the community. The fight against crime, according to the IGP, remains a top priority as the Force seeks to ensure a safer and more secure nation for all Nigerians.
