Police Rescue 29 Kidnap Victims, Arrest Three Suspects in Nationwide Operations

The Nigeria Police Force has successfully rescued 29 kidnap victims and arrested three suspected abductors in coordinated operations spanning Kogi, Lagos, and Katsina States, as part of ongoing nationwide efforts to combat violent crime and strengthen public trust in internal security.

Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed the details on Monday via X, emphasizing that the actions were in line with directives from the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, aimed at boosting safety and restoring peace across the country.

On June 23, officers of the Kogi State Command thwarted a kidnapping attempt along the Obajana–Oshokoshoko axis. A patrol team engaged the assailants in a gun battle, successfully rescuing 24 passengers from three commercial vehicles.

A day earlier, operatives from Okene Division intercepted a suspicious Nissan vehicle en route to Auchi. The driver fled into the bush, abandoning a bag. A thorough search yielded an AK-47 rifle, 28 rounds of 5.6mm ammunition, a G3 magazine, clothing, and various personal effects. Efforts to locate the fleeing suspect are ongoing.

In Lagos, the police rescued 20-year-old Kehinde, who had been abducted after being lured via WhatsApp. The kidnappers demanded a ₦500,000 ransom. Swift action by officers in the Ikoga area of Morogbo led to the arrest of three suspects—Celestine Okeke (28), Michael Okonkwo (25), and Kehinde Oladun (30) and the safe recovery of the victim.

In a separate operation in Katsina State, police responded to a kidnapping attempt at Mazare village. Officers engaged the criminals in a gunfight, forcing them to flee with gunshot wounds. Four kidnapped victims were rescued unscathed.

IGP Egbetokun lauded the officers for their courage and professionalism, reaffirming the Force’s commitment to intelligence-led operations, rapid intervention, and collaboration with other security services.

The police also urged the public to remain alert and continue cooperating with law enforcement for improved security outcomes.