Police Nab Kidnap Gang, Recover Arsenal and Millions in Cash in Twin Operations

ABUJA – In a significant blow to kidnapping syndicates, the Nigeria Police Force has announced the successful rescue of a victim, the arrest of three suspects, and the recovery of a large cache of weapons and over six million naira in separate operations in Akwa Ibom and Nasarawa states.

The breakthroughs, which occurred in mid-August, are being hailed as a testament to the force’s renewed vigour under Inspector-General of Police Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun.

Akwa Ibom: Swift Response Thwarts Kidnap Attempt

According to a statement from Force Headquarters, the first operation unfolded on August 16th in Eket, Akwa Ibom State. Police operatives from the Eket and Ikot Udota divisions, acting on a distress call and in collaboration with local youths, swiftly moved to Factory Road in Afia Nsit.

Their prompt intervention led to the rescue of a man identified as Emerson and the arrest of two suspects: Okon Edem Okon and Emmanuel Bassey. A subsequent search of a nearby uncompleted building in a bush yielded a sophisticated arsenal, including:

· One AK-47 rifle
· One assault rifle
· One pump-action shotgun with six live cartridges
· 67 rounds of ammunition
· Six magazines

A manhunt for other fleeing members of the gang is currently ongoing.

Nasarawa: Car Crash Leads to Major Discovery

In a separate incident on August 18th, a single-vehicle crash near a VIO checkpoint in Angwan Mayo, Nasarawa State, led to a major discovery. The two occupants of an Opel Vectra car fled the scene immediately after the accident, abandoning the vehicle.

A preliminary search at the scene led to the recovery of a G3 rifle, which was handed over to police at the Garaku Division. A more thorough search at the police station revealed an even larger haul concealed within the car, including:

· One AK-47 rifle
· One Type 06 rifle
· One G3 rifle (previously found)
· Three magazines
· 57 rounds of live ammunition
· A cash sum of ₦6,908,150 (Six Million, Nine Hundred and Eight Thousand, One Hundred and Fifty Naira)

An intensive joint manhunt with military personnel led to the arrest of one of the fleeing suspects, Mohammed Tahir from Barkin Ladi, Plateau State. During interrogation, Tahir confessed to being part of a seven-man kidnapping gang responsible for the abduction of a lawyer in Nyanya, Abuja, from whom a ransom was collected.

Police say efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining gang members. All arrested suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

In a statement, Force Public Relations Officer DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said IGP Egbetokun commended the operatives for their swift action and the community members for their synergy and vigilance, reiterating that the Force will not relent in its efforts to ensure criminals have no safe haven in Nigeria.