13 Kidnap Victims Rescued, Firearms Recovered as Police Intensify Crackdown on Crime
13 Kidnap Victims Rescued, Firearms Recovered as Police Intensify Crackdown on Crime
In a determined effort to combat crime, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) successfully rescued 13 kidnapped victims in separate operations in Lagos and Kwara states this past week.
The coordinated efforts also led to the arrest of five suspected armed robbers and the recovery of firearms and ammunition.
According to a statement released by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Sunday:
“In a determined effort to sustain the fight against kidnapping, armed robbery, and other forms of criminality across the country, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have further intensified and reinvigorated their strategies, resulting in the successful rescue of numerous victims and the apprehension of several suspects.
“Over the past week, coordinated operations were conducted in various states, including Lagos and Kwara States, leading to the rescue of 13 individuals who had earlier been kidnapped and held for ransom, and the arrest of several armed robbery suspects.”
On December 27, 2024, police operatives in Kwara State stormed a kidnappers’ den in the Idofin-Igbana area following a distress call reporting the abduction of 13 individuals. Despite resistance from the kidnappers, officers overpowered them, forcing the culprits to flee with injuries. All 13 victims were successfully rescued.
A day later, on December 28, police operatives in Lagos responded to a disturbance at Pinnacle Depot, Lekki. They arrested two suspects, Lawan Mustapha and Aina Daniel, both 38 years old, and recovered one double-barrel rifle, 90 live cartridges, and five model rifles.
In a separate operation at GRA Ikeja the same day, three suspected armed robbers were apprehended. Police recovered a locally made pistol, four live cartridges, and two cutlasses during the search.
The suspects remain in custody pending further investigations and possible prosecution.
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Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun reaffirmed the NPF’s dedication to protecting citizens and eliminating criminal activities.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in its mission to create a safer environment for all Nigerians,” Egbetokun emphasized, assuring the public of ongoing efforts to secure lives and property nationwide.
