The Nigeria Police Force announced on Sunday that 10 individuals were rescued following a foiled abduction attempt by suspected bandits along the Funtua-Gusau highway.
According to the Force, the victims were saved after officers from the Faskari Division of the Katsina State Police Command engaged the kidnappers in a gun battle, forcing the criminals to flee with gunshot wounds.
Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed in a statement: “On April 19, 2025, at approximately 9:35 p.m., acting on intelligence, operatives from the Faskari Division successfully thwarted a kidnap attempt along the Funtua-Gusau highway.
“They confronted the bandits in a fierce exchange of gunfire, compelling them to escape with injuries. Thanks to their swift action, 10 victims — including two drivers and eight passengers — were rescued unharmed and have since been reunited with their families.”
Stolen Police Rifle Recovered
In a related development, police reported the arrest of one Umar Ahmad, aged 40, described as a “notorious criminal” who had been sought for months. He was apprehended at a roadblock in Jalingo on April 18, 2025 by operatives attached to the State Intelligence Department (SID), Taraba State, working in conjunction with local vigilantes.
Following interrogation, Ahmad led officers to Mayo Faran Village, Mayo Belwa Local Government Area, on the border of Taraba and Adamawa States. A thorough search resulted in the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, eight magazines, and 39 rounds of live ammunition. It was discovered that one of the rifles belonged to the Taraba State Police Command and had been stolen during an ambush in 2023, during which ASP Aminu Nuhu tragically lost his life.
Five Pump-Action Guns Found Concealed in Rice
Additionally, officers from the Fegge Divisional Headquarters, Anambra State, patrolling along Port Harcourt Road, Upper Iweka, Onitsha, intercepted a suspiciously parked shuttle bus on April 17, 2025. A detailed search revealed five pump-action guns, eight live cartridges, and two handcuffs concealed inside a bag of rice.
The bus has since been subjected to forensic examination, and efforts are ongoing to locate the culprits.
On the same day, acting on credible intelligence, officers from the Rapid Response Squad and Anti-Kidnapping Unit arrested 25-year-old Israel Akachukwu at his residence on Ezeigwe Street, Nkpor, Idemili North Local Government Area. A search of his apartment uncovered two pump-action guns, two live cartridges, a cutlass, a yellow axe, and a dagger. The suspect confessed to membership of the Vikings Confraternity and is assisting police in identifying other gang members.
ACP Adejobi highlighted that these successes demonstrated the Force’s strengthened commitment to enhancing internal security through effective operations.
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, praised the officers for their professionalism and swift responses, reiterating the Force’s dedication to safeguarding lives and property.
