Police operatives have neutralized seven suspected terrorists during special operations aimed at addressing insecurity in the country.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Force spokesman Muyiwa Adejobi revealed that the operations took place in Kebbi and Imo States.
He explained that gunmen had invaded Gobiraje Village in the Suru Local Government Area of Kebbi State, abducting one Umaru Bawa.
Acting on the information, officers from the Kebbi State Command pursued the suspects to Tundafari Forest in the Dakingari axis, where they engaged in a fierce exchange of gunfire.
“Consequently, four of the kidnappers were neutralised and one arrested with fatal injuries while the kidnapped victim was rescued unhurt. The operatives also recovered the cash sum of Three Million Naira (N3,000,000) already paid to the kidnappers as ransom,” the statement read.
Similarly, police operatives killed two suspected members of the Eastern Security Network in Ezioha Mbaitolu within the Umuele Umuaka Njaba LGA of Imo State.
“The operation led to the neutralization of 2 ESN Kingpins, the recovery of 7 AK-47 rifles, 13 pump-action guns, hundreds of assorted live ammunition, and the successful dislodgement of the camp,” Adejobi stated.
“As a follow up, on February 9 2025, the operatives moved to the Nkwukwo Forest in Mbaitoli LGA, at the boundary with Ubachima Forest in Awomama Oru West LGA, Imo State, where the team intercepted a group of terrorists who opened fire upon sighting the police.
“During the ensuing exchange, 3 terrorist kingpins were further neutralized, 2 AK47 rifles each loaded with 36 rounds of live ammunition, 1 pump-action gun, 1 cutlass, 4 motorcycles, and various criminal charms were as well recovered.”
According to him, the operations not only reflect the commitment of the Force to maintaining law and order but also show the determination to dismantle criminal networks that threaten the safety of citizens.
On his part, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has commended the brave efforts of the operatives involved and emphasized the need for continued vigilance in the fight against crime.