The Nigeria Police Force announced on Monday that its operatives successfully neutralized six armed bandits and robbers during coordinated operations conducted in Maitama, Abuja, and Jigawa State. The operations also thwarted multiple kidnapping attempts, resulting in the rescue of an abducted 80-year-old woman and the arrest of 12 suspects.
In Kano State, police intercepted the kidnappers while they were transporting the elderly victim to their hideout in Jigawa. A gunfight ensued, during which five bandits were killed.
Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, attributed these significant achievements in combating violent crimes and safeguarding national security to the effectiveness of well-coordinated police operations.
According to Adejobi, “Operatives of the FCT Police Command, in a coordinated joint operation, successfully dismantled a notorious armed robbery and carjacking syndicate responsible for several high-profile robberies and vehicle thefts across the capital.”
Acting on credible intelligence, the police intercepted the gang as they prepared to strike in the Maitama area. The criminals opened fire on sighting the officers, prompting a gun duel. One of the gang’s most wanted suspects, Abdulmininu Bello, alias Babanle, was neutralized, while seven others were arrested at the scene.
The arrested suspects include: Ibrahim Muhammad (22, ex-convict), Abubakar Abdullahi (22), Sarajo Yusuf (20), Sanusi Ali (51), Abubakar Sani, Isiaka Adamu (ex-convict), Abdullahi Isah.
Exhibits recovered from the operation include: Four AK-47 rifles, Two locally made pistols with 10 rounds of 9mm ammunition, Eleven rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, One locally made shotgun, A 2004 Toyota Camry LE, A red Boxer motorcycle.
In a related development, the Jigawa State Police Command rescued an 80-year-old kidnap victim, Hajiya Hajara, and neutralized five members of a kidnapping gang during a daring operation.
Intelligence revealed that about 12 armed bandits had abducted the elderly woman from her residence in Sarbi Village, Minjibir LGA, Kano, and attempted to escape through Jigawa State.
Acting swiftly, police operatives from the Jigawa Command, in collaboration with local security groups, raided the suspects’ hideouts located between Danzomo and Medi villages. The operation resulted in a gunfight that led to the neutralization of five suspects and the arrest of five others, including the gang leader, 35-year-old Yahaya.
The victim was rescued unharmed, taken to the hospital for medical evaluation, and later discharged.
Recovered items from the operation include:
- Two AK-47 rifles
- One locally fabricated LAR rifle
- Fourteen live rounds of ammunition
- Two motorcycles
- Two mobile phones
Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, praised the operatives for their courage and successful intervention. He also expressed gratitude to the public for their support and encouraged ongoing vigilance in reporting suspicious activities.
The IGP reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to maintaining public safety and enhancing national security.