1 week ago
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By Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Police Force Headquarters in Abuja has said its operatives neutralised seven terrorists and recovered 23 firearms, along with assorted ammunition, in recent operations conducted across the country.
Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, who made this known, said the operations were part of efforts to dismantle threats, disrupt criminal networks, and enhance internal security.
Adejobi, in a statement, said: “In a recent operation on 14th February 2025, unknown armed men invaded Gobiraje Village in Suru LGA of Kebbi State and kidnapped one Umaru Bawa, male, aged 60. Police operatives attached to the Kebbi State Command, upon receiving the report, trailed the suspects to Tundafari Forest in the Dakingari axis of the state and engaged them in a fierce gun duel. 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 sum of three million naira (N3,000,000) already paid to the kidnappers as ransom.”
“Earlier, on 8th February 2025, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force attached to the Imo State Command, in collaboration with other security agencies, carried out a tactical operation targeting an IPOB/ESN terrorist camp located in Ezioha Mbaitolu within the Umuele Umuaka Njaba LGA of the state. The operation led to the neutralisation of two ESN kingpins, the recovery of seven AK-47 rifles, 13 pump-action guns, hundreds of assorted live rounds, and the successful dislodgement of the camp.
“As a follow-up, on 9th February 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, three terrorist kingpins were further neutralised, and two AK-47 rifles, each loaded with 36 rounds of live ammunition, one pump-action gun, one cutlass, four motorcycles, and various criminal charms were recovered.”
These operations not only reflect the commitment of the Force to maintaining law and order but also demonstrate its determination to dismantle criminal networks that threaten the safety of citizens. The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, commended the brave efforts of the operatives involved and emphasised the need for continued vigilance in the fight against crime.
The Force assures members of the public that these operations will continue with renewed vigour as it strives to ensure a safer environment for all Nigerians. As part of these ongoing efforts, the IGP has called for increased intelligence gathering, community engagement, and prompt reporting of suspicious activities by citizens. The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to protecting lives and property, reinforcing community trust, and fostering a peaceful and secure nation.
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