Nigerian police forces rescued 21 kidnapped victims in a series of raids against criminal networks and recovered 800,000 ransom, weapons and ammunition.
Force Public Relations Officer ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi disclosed this in a statement on Monday, March 31, 2025
“The Nigerian police force has stepped up efforts to combat kidnapping, gangsters and other violent crimes across the country, adopt decisive nationwide action to dismantle criminal networks and actively address kidnapping and illegal weapon breeding,” the statement said.
“In a series of coordinated raids in the first quarter of 2025, the unit’s heavy blow to organized crime, rescued victims, arrested key suspects and seized weapons and illegal funds, marking a significant escalation in the fight against criminals threatening the safety and security of Nigerian citizens.
“The latest of these operations is at Taraba State, in Taraba State, where police agents affiliated with the state command led a successful operation along this successful operation on March 29, 2025.
“The combination of these agents with other security agencies promptly responded to the kidnapping at Muji Town. A fierce gunfight followed, resulting in twenty (20) rescuers of the kidnapping victims and all vehicles abandoned on the scene.
“At the same time, in Kano State, a meticulous investigation was conducted on March 8, 2025 after a series of arrests by Dr. Muhammad Bello Yushau.
“On March 18 and 19, Technical Analysis led police agents to arrest Tukur Lawal aka Maikudi from the National Anti-killing Squad, as well as accomplices Ado Usman, Sanusi Surajo, Sanusi Surajo, Habiba Shuaibu and Ummulkhairi Ibrahim.
“In the case they owned, authorities recovered locally made rifles and N4,840,000 in cash, believed to be ransom. The victim was rescued and reunited with his family.
“In addition, in another operation, agents from the Special Tactics Squad (STS) with reliable intelligence arrested a Kafinta Musa’M’ from Talaba State University in connection with armed robbery, kidnapping and illegal possession of firearms.
“A AK49 rifle was caught during the arrest, with five rounds of on-site ammunition on it.
“Police Attorney General IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, NPM. The officials involved in these bold actions have been praised for their heroism and professionalism.
“The force urges continued public cooperation to provide timely information to help fight crime. These successful actions underline the dedication and shared commitment of the Nigerian police force and Nigeria’s good citizens to protect the community and ensure the safety and security of all.”
The victim, Muhammad Bello, a resident of the town of Zakirai in Kabachuan LGA, Kano State, was kidnapped in his hometown with a ransom demand of 15 million naira.
The recovered funds were handed over to the owners through the local government chair of Gabasawa LGA. Pharm Sagir Usman Abubakar.
The Chairman expressed his gratitude to the Kano Police for their quick response and professionalism in handling the case.
