Police operatives have successfully rescued 23 victims in Niger and Enugu states as part of their ongoing efforts to combat crime across the country.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, revealed this in a statement issued on Friday.
According to the statement, the rescue mission was initiated following a kidnapping incident in Hayin-Dogo and Dangunu villages, located in Sarkin-Pawa, Munya Local Government Area of Niger State. The attackers abducted Usman Daina and four others during the raid.
Adejobi confirmed that swift police intervention led to the rescue of the abductees, underscoring the commitment of law enforcement agencies to ensuring public safety and tackling criminal activities.
According to Adejobi, police operatives attached to the Enugu State Command carried out a coordinated operation in Uvuru-Ukpata forest in Uzo-Uwani LGA, following the abduction of commuters along Olo-Umulokpa Road.
“Upon picking up the trail, the operatives engaged the kidnappers in a fierce gun duel, overpowered them, and successfully rescued 9 kidnapped victims. Prior to this, police operatives had earlier rescued two men in a forest at Amalla-Egazi after they were kidnapped on 16th May 2025 at the Ezimo community. The rescued victims have been reunited with their families,” the police said.
“Similarly, on 23rd May 2025, Police operatives attached to the Enugu State Command, working in collaboration with local security outfits, on the trail of a gang of kidnappers, stormed a forest along the Enugu-Kogi border. During the operation, a gunfight ensued, where one of the kidnappers was neutralized and others escaped with various degrees of gunshot injuries. Eight kidnapped victims were rescued unhurt in the process. Efforts to track down the fleeing suspects are ongoing.”
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has praised the courage and dedication demonstrated by the officers involved in the recent rescue operations.
He also acknowledged the invaluable contributions of local security outfits and members of the public, emphasizing their crucial role in the successes achieved in combating crime and criminality nationwide.
The IGP reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s unwavering commitment to disrupting criminal networks and ensuring that Nigeria remains inhospitable to perpetrators of crime.