By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata
The Nigeria Police Force has announced the successful rescue of 29 kidnapped victims and the arrest of three suspected kidnappers in separate operations across Kogi, Lagos, and Katsina States.
According to a statement released Monday on X (formerly Twitter) by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the operations were carried out under the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, as part of efforts to tackle violent crimes and restore public confidence in internal security.
On June 23, police operatives attached to the Kogi State Command repelled a kidnap attempt along the Obajana-Oshokoshoko Road. During a fierce gun duel with the suspects, officers successfully rescued 24 passengers from three commercial vehicles.
In a separate operation on June 22, operatives from the Okene Division of Kogi State intercepted a suspicious Nissan vehicle en route to Auchi.
The driver fled into the forest, abandoning the car.
A search revealed an AK-47 rifle, 28 rounds of 5.6mm ammunition, a G3 magazine, a black shirt, phone accessories, and other personal items. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect.
In Lagos, police operatives responded to a reported abduction in the Ikoga area of Morogbo.
A 20-year-old man, Kehinde, was lured via WhatsApp and kidnapped, with a ransom of ₦500,000 demanded.
Acting on intelligence, police arrested three suspects; Celestine Okeke (28), Michael Okonkwo (25), and Kehinde Oladun (30) and rescued the victim unhurt. He has since been reunited with his family.
In Katsina State, police operatives swiftly responded to an attempted kidnapping at Mazare village.
They engaged the attackers in a gun battle, overpowering them and forcing them to flee with gunshot wounds. Four kidnapped victims were rescued unharmed.
Commending the officers involved, IGP Egbetokun praised their bravery and professionalism.
He urged the public to remain vigilant and continue cooperating with law enforcement agencies, reaffirming the Force’s commitment to intelligence-driven policing, rapid response, and inter-agency collaboration.