Police Rescue 11 Kidnapped Victims, Arrest Two Suspects,Recover Large Cache of Arms — Official Reports

The Nigeria Police Force has announced significant operational successes in its ongoing crackdown on violent crime across the country, particularly in Delta and Katsina States. According to a statement released on Friday, June 13, 2025, the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, rescued 11 kidnapped victims, arrested two suspected kidnappers, and recovered a large quantity of illegal firearms and ammunition.

In Katsina State, the statement said, a combined Joint Task Force (JTF) comprising police operatives and sister security agencies thwarted a kidnapping attempt on June 8, 2025, along the Danmusa–Mara Dangeza village road in Danmusa Local Government Area. The security team engaged in a fierce gun battle with armed bandits who were attempting to escape with kidnapped victims. The police reportedly overpowered the criminals, who fled with gunshot injuries, and successfully rescued all 11 victims unharmed.

Regarding the Delta State operations, the police disclosed that operatives attached to the CP-Special Assignment Team arrested Abubakar Hassan, aged 30, a key suspect in a cross-state kidnapping syndicate active in Delta, Rivers, Imo, and Enugu States. Hassan allegedly led kidnapping operations along the Ughelli-Ozoro axis. During interrogation, he reportedly revealed the location of his hideout in a forest in Ozoro, where police recovered two AK-47 rifles, four magazines, and thirty-two rounds of live ammunition. This arrest was linked to a prior capture of three other gang members.

Additionally, officers from the Safer Highway Patrol intercepted a vehicle during routine stop-and-search duties along Ughelli road. A thorough search uncovered a locally fabricated revolver pump-action single-barrel rifle and fifteen rounds of live cartridges. The driver, identified as Obi Ezekiel, aged 38, was arrested at the scene.

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The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, commended the bravery and professionalism of the officers involved in these operations. He urged all police commands to maintain the momentum in combating violent crimes. The IGP reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to ensuring that there is no safe haven for criminals within the nation’s borders.

The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, mnipr, mipra, fCAI, signed the statement issued from the Force Headquarters in Abuja.