Police Rescue Kidnap Victims, Kill Suspects, Recover Arms in Kebbi and Abia

The Nigeria Police Force says its operatives have recorded major breakthroughs in recent anti-crime operations in Kebbi and Abia States, rescuing five kidnap victims, neutralizing five suspected kidnappers, and recovering a cache of arms and ammunition.

In Kebbi State, the Force disclosed that on July 27, 2025, gunmen stormed Sangara Village in Shanga Local Government Area and abducted three persons — Muhammad Nasamu Namata, 25; Gide Namata, 20; and Hamidu Alhaji Namani, 35. Following coordinated operations by police operatives, security agencies, and local vigilantes, the kidnappers were tracked to Shanga Hills, where they engaged officers in a fierce gun duel before escaping with gunshot wounds. The three victims were rescued unharmed.

In another operation in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi on August 15, 2025, police officers on patrol encountered armed bandits near Dankade Village in Ribah District. The ensuing shootout led to the rescue of two kidnap victims, Tukur Bello, 26, and Isyaka Abubakar, 25, who were abducted earlier on August 9 while grazing their cattle in Gairi Forest, Zamfara State. Both men have since been reunited with their families.

Meanwhile, in Abia State, intelligence-led operations took police operatives to a kidnappers’ den at Umuiku Obete Village, Ukwa West Local Government Area. The gang, notorious for terrorizing commuters along Umuozo Village and Uratta Road, opened fire on officers but were overpowered in a gun battle. Five suspects were killed on the spot.

Items recovered from the scene include six AK-47 rifles, 335 rounds of live ammunition, 14 magazines, five handsets, three cutlasses, five operational jackets, an axe, a pair of boots, a polo charm, and a double-barrelled long gun. Police say follow-up operations are ongoing to track down fleeing members of the group.

Commending the operatives, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, urged officers to sustain the momentum. “These operations are clear evidence of our commitment to safeguarding lives and property. We will continue to intensify the onslaught against criminal elements across the country,” he said.

Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, who announced the development in a statement on Tuesday, assured Nigerians that the police remain determined to combat crime in all forms. “The Inspector-General of Police has again assured members of the public of the continued resolve of the Force to maintain law and order across the country,” he stated.