Police Rescue 11 Kidnapped Victims in Katsina, Bust Arms Smuggling Syndicate in Delta
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Police Rescue 11 Kidnapped Victims in Katsina, Bust Arms Smuggling Syndicate in Delta
In a major security breakthrough, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with sister security agencies, have rescued 11 kidnapped victims in Katsina State and apprehended key members of a kidnapping and arms smuggling syndicate in Delta State.
The Force Headquarters announced on Friday that the coordinated effort led to a fierce gun battle with armed bandits along the Danmusa–Mara Dangeza village road in Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina. The swift intervention by security personnel forced the kidnappers to flee with gunshot wounds, leaving the victims unharmed.
In a separate operation in Delta State, officers arrested a notorious kidnapping kingpin and intercepted a cache of illegal arms in Ozoro, further dismantling a cross-state criminal network operating across Delta, Rivers, Imo and Enugu States.
According to Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi:
“In Katsina State, a major breakthrough was recorded on June 8, 2025, when a Joint Task Force comprising police and other security agencies foiled a kidnap attempt along the Danmusa–Mara Dangeza village road in Danmusa LGA. The team, while on patrol, engaged in a fierce gun battle with armed bandits attempting to flee with kidnapped victims. The operatives overpowered the criminals, who fled with gunshot wounds and successfully rescued 11 victims without injuries.”
In Delta, the CP-Special Assignment Team apprehended Abubakar Hassan, 30, identified as a leading figure in a kidnapping ring. Acting on credible intelligence, police recovered two AK-47 rifles, four magazines and thirty-two rounds of live ammunition at his hideout in a forest in Ozoro.
“This operation follows the earlier arrest of three other members of his gang,” Adejobi added.
Further reinforcing the crackdown, officers conducting a routine stop-and-search along Ughelli Road intercepted a vehicle carrying a locally fabricated revolver pump-action rifle and fifteen rounds of live cartridges. The suspect, Obi Ezekiel, 38, was arrested on the spot.
Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, commended the operatives for their courage and commitment, urging commands nationwide to maintain the tempo in the fight against violent crimes.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in ensuring that there is no safe haven for criminals within the borders of our dear nation,” the IGP affirmed.
The police have urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities as efforts to combat criminality across Nigeria intensify.
