Internal Security: Police Arrest 13 Kidnappers; Recover 11 Rifles, 89 Rounds of Ammunition

In a remarkable display of operational proficiency , operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have carried out multiple diligent operations underscoring the Nigeria Police Force’s unwavering commitment to enhancing internal security and combating criminal activities across the nation. On March 11, 2025, at approximately 6:30 PM, operatives from the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) were on a special assignment en route to Edo State when they encountered an ambush set by armed kidnappers at Oshara Ganden, a boundary area between Kogi and Edo States. Demonstrating exceptional tactical skills, the operatives overpowered the armed assailants, resulting in the arrest of eight individuals. The suspects, identified as Tukur Salisu, Sani Abubakar, Mamud Sani, Umar Abdullahi, Salisu Mohammed, Salisu Usman, Bashir Audu, and Jibril Haruna, were found in possession of significant weaponry, including one AK-47 rifle with 29 rounds of live ammunition, one new Israeli pump action rifle with 4 cartridges, two pump action rifles with 72 cartridges, a single barrel shotgun with 2 cartridges, and two operational motorcycles. In a separate operation on January 27, 2025, IRT operatives acted on credible intelligence to arrest Yakubu Musa, 30, and Usman Musa, 25, both from Kaduna State. These suspects were linked to series of kidnappings and cattle rustling activities in the Soba and Ikara regions of the State. During their arrest, three AK-47 rifles and 19 rounds of live ammunition were recovered, further substantiating their involvement in criminal activities. Additionally, on January 21, 2025, three suspects—Abubakar Lawan (24), Isiaku Abdullahi (35), and Abbas Maisaude (26), were apprehended for criminal conspiracy, unlawful possession of firearms, and kidnapping. The suspects confessed to participating in multiple kidnapping incidents across Rijana, Lambata, Dandume, and Ugama in Kaduna and Niger States. Recovered from them were one AK-49 rifle, two AK-47 rifles, and 28 rounds of live ammunition. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend additional members of their gang. These successful operations highlight the Nigeria Police Force’s relentless dedication to safeguarding lives and property. Citizens are urged to support the police by providing timely and accurate information, as their cooperation is vital in the fight against crime. To those who choose a life of crime, the Force is resolute in its mission to attain justice. There will be no sanctuary for criminals in Nigeria. The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., has commended the operatives for their bravery and dedication, emphasizing the importance of continued vigilance and proactive measures in maintaining law and order. The Force remains resolute in its mission to protect citizens, uphold the rule of law and assure the public that it will continue to take decisive action against criminal elements.

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Kidnappers demand N30m each as ransom for travellers

A suspected ring of kidnappers have demanded the sum of N30 million each for travellers captured on Sunday. The bus, according to media reports, was ambushed by the gunmen at Emure Ile, near the borders of Ekiti and Ondo States. The bus was returning from Onitsha when the assailants took all passengers, including the driver, Sunday Emmanuel, into captivity. Meanwhile, a member of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) at the Ado-Ekiti Motor Terminal who pleaded anonimity hinted that the kidnappers have demanded N30 million each as ransom for the abductee. The situation highlights ongoing safety concerns for travellers in the region, emphasizing the need for enhanced security measures to protect individuals on the road.

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Kidnapped journalists regain freedom 

Kidnapped Sport journalists have regained freedom, Trendbrio.com have reliably gathered.  The media men, according to a statement issued by the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), were kidnapped on their way to cover the AFCON 2025 qualifier in Uyo.  The SWAN statement reads; “We want to inform our Teeming Members across Nigeria and beyond that some of the Sports Journalists who were earlier kidnapped on their way to cover the first leg of 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between Super Eagles and Mediterranean Knights of Libya in Uyo, have been released. “The President of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, and indeed SWAN National Secretariat after making necessary contacts immediately our colleagues were abducted around Anambra/Imo axis, have been reliably informed of their release following pressure by the proactive Nigerian Security Operatives on the Kidnappers. “SWAN therefore commends the Security Operatives, particularly the Nigerian Army and Police for their prompt action which ensured that up to six of the held Sports Journalists regained their freedom with efforts to get the remaining person freed. “The rescued Media Practitioners, mostly Camera/Photojournalists are now on their way to either reunite with families or move on with other official duties. “We urge our members to remain calm and without fear in the discharge of their professional duties while maintaining regular communication with the various SWAN State Chapters’ Leadership for any formal purposes. @Also, be assured that the National Leadership of SWAN is committed to your welfare and overall well-being with uttermost regards as always.”

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