In a decisive move against kidnapping and illegal arms proliferation, a series of intelligence-led, inter-agency operations coordinated under the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) has yielded significant breakthroughs in Kaduna and Delta States. The operations, carried out by tactical units of the Nigeria Police Force in close collaboration with other security agencies, resulted in the rescue of a kidnapped victim, arrest of eight high-profile suspects, and recovery of a cache of firearms, ammunition, and fabricated weapons.
In Kaduna State, following the abduction of one Hussaini Ibrahim from Jagindi Tasha Village, Jema’a LGA, intelligence support enabled police operatives to launch a coordinated rescue operation. The kidnappers, under pressure, abandoned the victim in a nearby forest. Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of four suspects directly linked to the crime—Umar Yusuf Jabiri of Jagindi Tasha, Buhari Muhammad (alias “General”) of Bayya village, Ahmadu Nasiru of Gidan Waya, and Zakari Saleh. One AK-47 rifle and two locally fabricated variants were also recovered.
In a related Kaduna operation, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, acting on actionable intelligence, intercepted a suspicious waybill from Jos, Plateau State, destined for Gusau, Zamfara State. A detailed search uncovered an AK-47 rifle concealed in a sack. Follow-up investigations traced the origin of the consignment and led to the arrest of two suspects, Abdulmumin Sani and Naziru Musa, who had arrived in Gusau to take delivery of the weapon.
Meanwhile, in Delta State, operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), supported by the X-Squad and Buffalo Patrol units, stormed a kidnapping gang’s hideout along Ibusa Road. A notorious kidnapper, Chiadiji Collins (alias “Smooth”), 42, linked to multiple abductions in Ibusa, Ogwashi-Uku, and Asaba, was arrested. A search of his residence in Ewulu community, Aniocha South LGA, uncovered one AK-47 rifle and forty rounds of 7.62mm ammunition. Further investigation led to the arrest of another suspect, Ezechie Andrew, found with two pump-action rifles and two live cartridges.
All suspects are currently assisting investigations aimed at dismantling their networks. They will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, commended the tactical precision, professionalism, and bravery of the operatives. He noted that the successes were the product of proactive intelligence gathering, inter-agency coordination, and robust community engagement spearheaded by the NSA. He reaffirmed the commitment of the Force to stay ahead of criminal elements through intelligence-led policing and urged citizens to remain vigilant, provide timely information, and continue supporting security agencies in the collective effort to secure Nigeria.