By Olatunbosun Obafemi
The Nigeria Police Force has rescued five kidnap victims and killed five suspected kidnappers in separate operations in Kebbi and Abia States, recovering a cache of arms and ammunition.
Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, saying the breakthroughs were part of the Force’s ongoing efforts to strengthen internal security.
In Kebbi State, police operatives, working with other security agencies and vigilantes, rescued three persons abducted on July 27 from Sangara Village in Shanga Local Government Area. The victims – Muhammad Nasamu Namata, 25; Gide Namata, 20; and Hamidu Alhaji Namani, 35 – were freed after a gun battle with their captors in Shanga Hills, forcing the criminals to flee with gunshot wounds.
In a related operation, police on patrol at Dankade Village in Ribah District, Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area, engaged bandits on August 15. Two kidnap victims – Tukur Bello, 26, and Isyaka Abubakar, 25 – who had been abducted while grazing cattle in Zamfara State, were rescued unhurt and reunited with their families.
Meanwhile, in Abia State, operatives acting on credible intelligence raided a kidnappers’ den at Umuiku Obete Village, Ukwa West Local Government Area. The gang, said to be behind attacks on residents and commuters along Umuozo and Uratta roads, engaged the police in a shootout but were overpowered. Five suspects were neutralized during the encounter.
A search of the hideout led to the recovery of six AK-47 rifles, 335 rounds of ammunition, 14 magazines, five mobile phones, three cutlasses, five operational jackets, an axe, a pair of boots, a polo charm, and a double-barrelled gun.
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, commended the officers involved for their professionalism and courage. He urged operatives nationwide to sustain the tempo and reiterated the Force’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the country.
