As IGP Reiterates Resolve to Tackling Violent Crimes

The Nigeria Police Force remains steadfast in its commitment to enhancing internal security, as evidenced by a string of successful operations that have led to the rescue of numerous kidnapping victims, arrests of suspects, and recovery of illicit firearms. These notable accomplishments underscore the NPF’s proactive approach to combating crime and safeguarding the security and well-being of Nigerians.

According to ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Spokesperson, police operatives from the Faskari Division in Katsina State thwarted a kidnapping attempt on April 19, 2024 is not correct as the statement says 2025,  at approximately 9:35 p.m. along the Funtua-Gusau highway, following credible information.

The police engaged the bandits in an intense firefight, forcing them to flee with gunshot injuries. Thanks to the prompt action, the police successfully rescued ten victims – two drivers and eight passengers – who were unharmed and subsequently reunited with their families.

In a separate incident, operatives from the State Intelligence Department (SID) in Taraba State, working in conjunction with local vigilantes, successfully arrested Umar Ahmad, a 40-year-old notorious criminal who had been evading capture for several months. The arrest was made on April 18, 2025, at around 11:00 a.m. at a roadblock in Jalingo. Following interrogation, Ahmad led operatives to Mayo Faran Village in Mayo Belwa LGA, a border town between Taraba and Adamawa states.

A comprehensive search of the area led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, eight magazines, and thirty-nine rounds of live ammunition. Further investigation revealed that one of the recovered gun belongs to the Taraba State Police Command which was earlier carted away during an ambush in 2023, where kidnappers attacked a team of the Anti-Kidnapping squad, resulting in the death of one ASP Aminu Nuhu.

Continuing in their streak of successes, on April 17, 2025, at about 1:30 PM, vigilant police officers attached to Fegge Divisional Headquarters, Anambra State, while on patrol along Port Harcourt Road, Upper Iweka, Onitsha, intercepted a shuttle bus parked suspiciously along the road and upon conducting a thorough search of the bus, five pump-action guns, eight live cartridges, and two handcuffs were found concealed in a bag of rice. The recovered bus has been subjected to forensic examination, while effort is being intensified to locate the culprits.

In a related development at about 1:27 PM on the same day, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad/Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Anambra state command acting on credible intelligence, arrested 25-year-old Israel Akachukwu at his residence on Ezeigwe Street Nkpor, Idemili North LGA.

A search conducted at his apartment led to the recovery two pump-action guns, two live cartridges, a cutlass, a yellow axe, and a dagger. The suspect confessed to being a member of the Vikings Confraternity and is cooperating with the police to identify and arrest other members of the gang.

Inspector-General of Police IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, lauds the officers for their professionalism and swift action, which have yielded these outstanding results. He reaffirms the Force’s dedication to safeguarding the lives and property of citizens

The recent successes showcase the impact of intelligence-driven policing and the unwavering commitment of NPF officers to tackling crime nationwide. The Nigeria Police Force encourages citizens to maintain their collaboration with law enforcement by sharing timely information, which can help prevent crimes and enhance public safety.