21 abducted victims have been rescued, and N4.8 million in ransom money has been recovered, according to the Nigeria Police Force.
It stated that it has stepped up its crackdown on violent crimes, banditry, and kidnapping around the nation.
Muyiwa Adejobi, the Force spokesperson, said in a statement on Monday that a series of operations performed across the country in the first quarter of 2025 considerably disrupted criminal networks and boosted security efforts.
Adejobi stated that police operatives from the Taraba State Command, working with other security agencies, successfully rescued 20 kidnapped victims along the Takum-Mararaba road on March 29, 2025.
He added that the rescue operation, launched after a kidnapping incident in Muji Town, led to a fierce gunfight between security forces and the kidnappers.
Two of the rescued people were injured and are presently undergoing medical care, according to Adejobi, who also stated that the criminals were compelled to leave the victims and their vehicles at the spot.
He said, “The Nigeria Police Force has intensified its efforts to combat kidnapping, banditry, and other violent crimes across the country, employing decisive nationwide operations to dismantle criminal networks and aggressively tackle kidnapping and illegal arms proliferation.
“In a coordinated series of raids throughout the first quarter of 2025, the Force has delivered crippling blows to organised crime, rescuing victims, apprehending key suspects, and seizing a cache of weapons and illicit funds, marking a significant escalation in the fight against criminal elements threatening the safety and security of Nigerian citizens.
“Most recent of these operations were in Taraba State, where police operatives attached to the state command spearheaded one such successful operation on March 29, 2025, along the Takum/Mararaba Road.
“The operatives, in conjunction with other security agencies, swiftly responded to a kidnapping in progress at Muji Town. A fierce gun battle ensued, leading to the rescue of 20 kidnapped victims, alongside all the vehicles abandoned at the scene. Two of the victims who sustained injuries are currently receiving medical care.”
Similarly, Adejobi stated that the police arrested several key suspects following an investigation into the March 8, 2025, abduction of Muhammad Yushau in Kano State.
He disclosed that police operatives, using technical intelligence, arrested Tukur Lawal, also known as Maikudi, along with Ado Usman, Sanusi Surajo, Habiba Shuaibu, and Ummulkhairi Ibrahim on March 18 and 19.
“In Kano State, a meticulous investigation was launched on March 8, 2025, following the kidnapping of Dr. Muhammad Bello Yushau culminating in a series of arrests.
“On March 18 and 19, a technical analysis led police operatives from the state Anti-Kidnapping Squad to apprehend Tukur Lawal, AKA Maikudi, along with accomplices, Ado Usman, Sanusi Surajo, Habiba Shuaibu, and Ummulkhairi Ibrahim. In their possession, authorities recovered a locally made rifle and N4,840,000 in cash believed to be ransom money. The victim was rescued unhurt and reunited with his family.”
In a different operation based on intelligence, he revealed that operatives of the Special Tactical Squad apprehended Kafinta Musa, a suspected criminal from Taraba State, over alleged involvement in armed robbery, kidnapping, and unlawful possession of firearms.
Adejobi said, “Furthermore, in a separate operation, operatives of the Special Tactical Squad acting on credible intelligence arrested one Kafinta Musa ‘m’ of Taraba State in connection with armed robbery, kidnapping, and unlawful possession of firearms. An AK49 rifle loaded with 5 rounds of live ammunition was seized during the arrest. Investigations are ongoing to apprehend remaining members of his criminal syndicate.”
Adejobi lauded the officers for their courage and professionalism, noting that Inspector-General of Police Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun restated the Force’s commitment to fighting crime and safeguarding the public.
Prompt News reports that Adejobi encouraged citizens to share timely and reliable information to support security operations.
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