Police rescue kidnap victim, recover ₦3m ransom in Kebbi

The Nigeria Police have rescued a 60 year-old man, Umaru Bawa, who was kidnapped by armed men in Gobiraje Village, Suru Local Government Area of Kebbi State. The rescue operation, carried out on February 14, 2025, also led to the recovery of ₦3 million, which had been paid as ransom.

Police operatives engaged the kidnappers in a fierce gun duel, neutralising four suspects and arresting one with fatal injuries. The successful operation highlights the Police’s intensified efforts to combat violent crimes and ensure public safety across the Country.

According to a statement issued by Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer, Operatives of the Kebbi State Command swiftly swung into action upon receiving the report, tracking the suspects to Tundafari Forest in the Dakingari axis of the State.
“The operatives engaged the kidnappers in a fierce gun duel, neutralising four suspects and arresting one with fatal injuries. The police also recovered ₦3 million, which had already been paid as ransom to secure the victim’s release”, the statement read.

In a similar operation in Imo State, the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, carried out a tactical raid on February 8, 2025, targeting an Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN) terrorist camp in Ezioha Mbaitolu, Umuele Umuaka, Njaba Local Government Area.

According to the Police, the raid resulted in the neutralisation of two ESN kingpins and the recovery of seven AK-47 rifles, 13 pump-action guns, and hundreds of rounds of assorted live ammunition.

“As part of a follow-up operation on February 9, 2025, operatives moved to Nkwukwo Forest in Mbaitoli Local Government Area, near the boundary with Ubachima Forest in Awomama, Oru West LGA.

“The operatives intercepted a group of terrorists who opened fire upon sighting them. In the ensuing gun battle, three terrorist kingpins were neutralised, and police recovered two AK-47 rifles loaded with 36 rounds of ammunition each, a pump-action gun, a cutlass, four motorcycles, and various criminal charms”, it added.

These successes, according to the statement, reflect the Nigeria Police Force’s renewed commitment to dismantling criminal networks that threaten public safety.

Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Inspector-General of Police, commended the operatives involved for their bravery and professionalism. The IGP also assured Nigerians that the force would sustain the momentum with increased intelligence gathering, community engagement, and proactive policing efforts.

He urged the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies, as the Police continue to work tirelessly to protect lives and property across the nation.