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.

Following last Thursday’s violent attack on Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC) by personnel of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), fifteen injured staff members were still receiving medical care at undisclosed hospitals as of yesterday. The company’s office remained deserted, and power had yet to be restored at the Sam Ethan Air Force Base.

The Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) has strongly denounced the attack, in which scores of employees were brutalized and company property was vandalized. NECA called on the Federal Government to investigate outstanding electricity debts at military bases nationwide and ensure prompt payment to prevent future conflicts.

Chairman of Ikeja Disco, Kola Adesina, disclosed that the Nigerian Air Force owes the company N4 billion, a debt that has remained unsettled despite seven years of negotiations.

“We are being owed a significant chunk of money, about N4 billion,” Adesina stated. “As a distribution company, we are responsible for collecting and remitting funds to the electricity supply chain, including gas suppliers and transmission companies. This outstanding debt has put a huge strain on our operations, making us financially unstable.”

While Ikeja Disco and the Air Force have exchanged numerous correspondences over the years, efforts to resolve the issue have not yielded results.

A visit to the Ikeja Disco headquarters in Alausa, Lagos, yesterday revealed a tense atmosphere. The usually bustling office was nearly empty, with many employees staying away due to fear and trauma from the attack.

Employees who were present recounted harrowing experiences, with some sustaining physical injuries, including sprains and bruises. A female staff member, who spoke anonymously, described the incident as a terrifying ordeal.

“I thought we were under attack by armed thugs,” she said. “I fell in the chaos and got bruises on my knee. Some of my colleagues sprained their ankles while trying to escape. It’s shocking that military personnel could attack a privately owned company in this manner.”

The company’s Public Relations Officer, Kingsley Okotie, confirmed that many injured employees were still receiving medical care.

“I am limping. I am not even at home. I am taking care of myself medically, like some other colleagues,” Okotie stated. “People are scared and traumatized. What assurance do we have that they won’t come again?”

He further confirmed that electricity had not been restored to the Air Force Base, emphasizing that it was impossible to resume operations under duress.

Condemning the attack, NECA Director General, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, called for an urgent response from the Federal Government to prevent a recurrence.

“This unlawful attack diminishes Nigeria’s democratic progress and sends a negative signal to investors,” Oyerinde said. “No rational investor would put money into a country where businesses and their employees are subjected to such impunity.”

NECA urged the government to immediately clear the N4 billion debt owed by the Air Force and set up a committee to review military electricity debts nationwide to avoid further disputes.

“The attack on Ikeja Electric is a national embarrassment. We call on the Federal Government to ensure that debts owed by military institutions are settled to maintain stability in the electricity sector,” the statement read.

As the situation unfolds, stakeholders continue to seek urgent resolutions to ensure the safety of workers, the stability of electricity distribution, and respect for lawful business operations.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has disbursed ₦11.2 million to the families of three police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. The presentation took place in Lokoja on Tuesday.

According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP William Ovye, the disbursement was made under the Group Life Assurance and IGP Family Welfare Schemes. The total amount handed over to the bereaved families was ₦11,245,379.35.

The initiative, spearheaded by the IGP, is aimed at supporting the families of fallen officers and helping them cope with financial challenges following the loss of their loved ones. The police described the gesture as part of the ongoing commitment of the Nigeria Police Force Welfare Scheme to ensure that the sacrifices of officers are not forgotten.

The cheque presentation ceremony was attended by senior officers of the Kogi State Police Command. During the event, the bereaved families expressed appreciation for the financial support, which they said provided much-needed relief during a difficult period.

The Kogi State Police Command reaffirmed its dedication to the welfare of officers and their families. It assured that through the Group Life Assurance Scheme and IGP Family Welfare Scheme, the police would continue to assist the families of officers who lost their lives in service to the nation.