Police Neutralize 6 Kidnappers, Wanted Kingpin in Abia, Nasarawa
In a decisive offensive against kidnapping and violent crimes, operatives of the Nigerian Police Force, in separate operations across Abia and Nasarawa states, have rescued four abducted victims and eliminated seven armed criminals, including a notorious kidnapping kingpin known as “Honor.”
The operations, carried out by tactical teams of the Abia State Police Command and the Nasarawa State Command, led to intense gun battles that resulted in the recovery of firearms, ammunition, and the neutralization of key criminal elements.
According to a statement from the Force Public Relations Officer, the Abia State Police Command received a distress report on March 9, 2025, regarding the abduction of four individuals traveling in a Toyota RAV4 along New Umuahia Road, Obingwa.
“Acting on credible intelligence, tactical teams tracked the kidnappers to a three-bedroom bungalow in Osokwa, Osisioma LGA. Upon arrival on March 14, 2025, officers engaged in a fierce gun battle with the kidnappers. The superior firepower of the police resulted in the neutralization of six gang members, and all four victims were rescued unharmed,” the statement read.
Security operatives recovered two AK-47 rifles, six magazines, and 34 rounds of live ammunition from the crime scene. The rescued victims were promptly taken to a police hospital for medical evaluation.
In a parallel operation, the Nasarawa State Police Command, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and local vigilante groups, successfully eliminated a high-profile kidnapper, Abdullahi, alias “Honor,” in Akwanga.
The suspect, who had been on the police watchlist for multiple criminal activities, was intercepted near the Akwanga Central Mosque while attempting to flee on a motorcycle.
“Upon confrontation, the suspect attempted to brandish his weapon to escape but was swiftly neutralized by security operatives. A search of his belongings led to the recovery of a Beretta pistol and twelve rounds of 9mm live ammunition. One of his accomplices managed to escape with gunshot wounds, and a manhunt is underway to track him down,” the statement added.
Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun commended the security operatives for their professionalism and effective inter-agency collaboration. He reaffirmed the force’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks and warned perpetrators of violent crimes to desist or face severe consequences.
“These recent operations underscore the Nigeria Police Force’s unwavering commitment to tackling kidnapping, gunrunning, and other forms of criminality. We will not relent in our efforts to ensure the safety and security of citizens across the country,” the IGP declared.
The Nigerian Police Force has assured the public of continued strategic operations to curb crime and restore peace in affected communities.
