In a significant boost to internal security, the Nigerian Police Force NPF has neutralized nine terrorists, recovered twenty three arms, and assorted ammunition in various operations across the country.
According to a report available to The Daily Vendor, yesterday, February 14, 2025, unknown armed men invaded Gobiraje Village in Suru LGA of Kebbi State and kidnapped a 60-year-old man, Umaru Bawa. Police operatives attached to the Kebbi State Command swiftly responded to the report and trailed the suspects to Tundafari Forest in the Dakingari axis of the State. The police operatives engaged the kidnappers in a fierce gun duel, resulting in the neutralization of four kidnappers. One kidnapper was arrested with fatal injuries, while the kidnapped victim, Umaru Bawa, was rescued unhurt. The operatives also recovered the cash sum of Three Million Naira (N3,000,000) already paid to the kidnappers as ransom.
Earlier, on February 8, 2025, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force attached to the Imo State Command, in collaboration with other security agencies, carried out a tactical operation targeting an IPOB/ESN terrorist camp located in Ezioha Mbaitolu within the Umuele Umuaka Njaba LGA of the State. The operation led to the neutralization of two ESN kingpins, the recovery of seven AK-47 rifles, 13 pump-action guns, and hundreds of assorted live ammunition. The terrorist camp was successfully dislodged.
As a follow-up to the initial operation, on February 9, 2025, the operatives moved to the Nkwukwo Forest in Mbaitoli LGA, at the boundary with Ubachima Forest in Awomama Oru West LGA, Imo State. The team intercepted a group of terrorists who opened fire upon sighting the police. During the ensuing exchange, three terrorist kingpins were neutralized, and two AK47 rifles each loaded with 36 rounds of live ammunition, one pump-action gun, one cutlass, four motorcycles, and various criminal charms were recovered.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetun, commended the bravery and professionalism of the operatives involved in the operations. He emphasized the need for continued vigilance in the fight against crime.
The Nigeria Police Force assured citizens that these operations will continue with renewed vigor, striving to ensure a safer environment for all Nigerians. The police called for increased intelligence gathering, community engagement, and prompt reporting of suspicious activities by citizens.
