In a major crackdown on kidnapping and violent crimes, operatives of the Nigerian Police Force in Abia and Nasarawa states have rescued four abducted victims and neutralized seven suspected kidnappers in separate operations.
A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer on Sunday confirmed the successful rescue missions and disclosed that a notorious kidnapping kingpin, identified as ‘Honor,’ was killed during the operations. Several firearms and ammunition were recovered, while some suspects managed to escape with gunshot wounds.
According to the statement, on March 9, 2025, at about 9:30 a.m., the Abia State Police Command received reports of four individuals abducted while driving a Toyota RAV4 along New Umuahia Road, Obingwa.
“Leveraging credible intelligence, the Command’s tactical team traced the kidnappers’ hideout to a three-bedroom bungalow in Osokwa, Osisioma Local Government Area. On March 14, 2025, operatives stormed the location, encountering heavy gunfire from the suspects,” the statement read.
The ensuing gun battle led to the neutralization of six suspected kidnappers and the successful rescue of all four victims, who were unharmed. Security personnel recovered two AK-47 rifles, six magazines, and 34 rounds of live ammunition at the scene. The victims were later taken to a police hospital for medical evaluation.
In a separate operation, security forces in Nasarawa State, comprising police operatives, Nigerian Army personnel, and local vigilantes, tracked down and eliminated a notorious kidnapper, identified as Abdullahi, alias ‘Honor.’
The suspect, wanted for multiple crimes, was intercepted on March 14 near the Akwanga Central Mosque while attempting to flee on a motorcycle.
“During the encounter, the suspect brandished a firearm to resist arrest but was swiftly neutralized. A search of his belongings led to the recovery of a Beretta pistol and 12 rounds of 9mm live ammunition. However, one accomplice managed to escape with gunshot wounds, prompting an ongoing manhunt,” the police statement added.
Commending the operatives for their swift and decisive action, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, reiterated the force’s commitment to tackling crime across the country.
“These recent operations underscore the resilience of the Nigeria Police Force in curbing gunrunning, kidnapping, and other criminal activities,” the IGP stated.
He further warned criminals to abandon their illicit activities or face severe consequences, reaffirming the force’s dedication to safeguarding communities and dismantling criminal networks.
