The Nigeria Police Force has rescued 21 kidnapped victims and recovered N.8m ransom, arms and ammunition in a coordinated series of raids targeting criminal networks.
Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, who disclosed this in a statement on Monday, March 31, 2025, said police also arrested six other suspected for heinous crimes
“The Nigeria Police Force has intensified its efforts to combat kidnapping, banditry, and other violent crimes across the country, employing decisive nationwide operations to dismantle criminal networks and aggressively tackle kidnapping and illegal arms proliferation,” the statement read.
"In a coordinated series of raids throughout the first quarter of 2025, the Force has delivered crippling blows to organized crime, rescuing victims, apprehending key suspects, and seizing a cache of weapons and illicit funds, marking significant escalation in the fight against criminal elements threatening the safety and security of Nigerian citizens.
"Most recent of these operations were in Taraba State, where Police operatives attached to the State Command spearheaded one such successful operation on March 29th, 2025, along the Takum/Mararaba road.
"The operatives, in conjunction with other security agencies, swiftly responded to a kidnapping in progress at Muji Town. A fierce gun battle ensued, leading to the rescue of twenty (20) kidnapped victims, alongside all the vehicles abandoned at the scene. Two of the victims who sustained injuries are currently receiving medical care.
"Meanwhile, in Kano State, a meticulous investigation was launched on March 8th, 2025, following the kidnapping of Dr. Muhammad Bello Yushau culminated in a series of arrests.
"On March 18th and 19th, technical analysis led police operatives from the state Anti-Kidnapping Squad to apprehend Tukur Lawal AKA Maikudi, along with accomplices Ado Usman, Sanusi Surajo, Habiba Shuaibu, and Ummulkhairi Ibrahim.
"In their possession, authorities recovered a locally made rifle and N4,840,000 in cash believed to be ransom money. The victim was rescued unhurt and reunited with his family.
"Furthermore, in a separate operation, operatives of the Special Tactical Squad (STS) acting on credible intelligence arrested one Kafinta Musa ‘m’ of Taraba State in connection with armed robbery, kidnapping, and unlawful possession of firearms.
"An AK49 rifle loaded with 5 rounds of live ammunition was seized during the arrest. Investigations are ongoing to apprehend remaining members of his criminal syndicate.
"The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., has commended the officers involved in these daring operations for their bravery and professionalism.
“The Force urges continued cooperation from the public in providing timely information to aid in the fight against crime. These successful operations underscore the dedication and joint commitment of the Nigeria Police Force and the good citizens of Nigeria to safeguard communities and ensure the safety and security of all.”
Meanwhile, the Kano State Police Command Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, has successfully handed over the recovered ransom money to the owner and father of the rescued kidnapped victim.
The victim, Muhammad Bello, a resident of Zakirai Town, Gabasawa LGA, Kano State was kidnapped in his home town, with a ransom demand of fifteen million naira.
The recovered funds were handed over to the owner through the Local Government Chairman of Gabasawa LGA, Hon. Pharm Sagir Usman Abubakar.
The Chairman expressed his appreciation to the Kano Police for their swift response and professionalism in handling the case.
