Police Rescue 5 Kidnap Victims, Eliminate 5 Suspects in Coordinated Raids Across Kebbi and Abia

In a significant victory against kidnapping and banditry, the Nigeria Police Force has rescued five kidnap victims and neutralized five suspected kidnappers in a series of coordinated operations across Kebbi and Abia States. A cache of arms and ammunition was also recovered during the raids.

Disclosing the operations on Tuesday, the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Muyiwa Adejobi, said the actions were part of ongoing efforts to strengthen internal security and safeguard lives and property nationwide.

In Kebbi State, police achieved two major breakthroughs. On July 27, 2025, three individuals—Muhammad Nasamu Namata (25), Gide Namata (20), and Hamidu Alhaji Namani (35)—were abducted from Sangara Village in Shanga Local Government Area. Acting swiftly, operatives, alongside other security forces and local vigilantes, tracked the suspects to Shanga Hills. A gun battle ensued, forcing the kidnappers to flee with injuries. All three victims were rescued unharmed.

In a separate operation on August 15, 2025, police on routine patrol near Dankade Village in Danko/Wasagu LGA engaged armed bandits. Two kidnap victims—Tukur Bello (26) and Isyaka Abubakar (25)—were rescued. They had been abducted on August 9 while grazing cattle in Gairi Forest, Zamfara State. The victims have since reunited with their families.

Meanwhile, in Abia State, police operatives, acting on credible intelligence, raided a notorious kidnappers’ hideout in Umuiku Obete Village, Ukwa West LGA. The suspects, linked to repeated attacks on commuters around Umuozo Village and Uratta Road off Port Harcourt Road, opened fire on the team. In the ensuing gunfight, five suspected kidnappers were killed.

A search of the hideout yielded a large cache of weapons and items, including:

• 6 AK-47 rifles
• 335 rounds of live ammunition
• 14 magazines
• 1 double-barreled long gun
• 5 operational jackets
• 5 mobile phones
• 3 cutlasses
• 1 axe
• A pair of boots
• A polo charm

Police say follow-up operations are underway to apprehend other members of the gang who fled the scene.

Commending the operatives, Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, praised their bravery and professionalism, urging continued momentum in the nationwide fight against crime.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in its mission to rid our communities of crime and ensure a safer society for all,” the IGP affirmed.