The Nigeria Police Force has rescued five kidnap victims and neutralized five kidnappers in successful operations across Kebbi and Abia States.
In Kebbi, officers backed by vigilantes stormed Shanga Hills on July 27, 2025. Kidnappers had earlier abducted three residents of Sangara Village; Muhammad Nasamu Namata, 25; Gide Namata, 20; and Hamidu Alhaji Namani, 35. The security team engaged the criminals in a gun battle and forced them to flee. Operatives rescued all three victims safely.
On August 15, 2025, police operatives patrolling Dankade Village in Ribah District encountered another group of kidnappers. The officers confronted them in a fierce exchange of gunfire. During the rescue, they freed two victims, Tukur Bello, 26, and Isyaka Abubakar, 25. The suspects had abducted the pair while they were grazing cattle in Zamfara State. Both men returned safely to their families.
In Abia, credible intelligence led officers to a kidnappers’ hideout at Umuiku Obete Village in Ukwa West LGA. The gang had been terrorizing travelers along Umuozo Village and Uratta Road near Port Harcourt Road. The kidnappers opened fire but the police responded with superior force. Operatives neutralized five suspects in the gun duel.
A search of the hideout uncovered 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-barrel long gun. Police have launched follow-up operations to track fleeing kidnappers.
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, commended the officers and urged them to sustain the tempo. He reassured Nigerians that the police remain committed to dismantling kidnappers’ networks and restoring peace nationwide.
