Police Sweep Across Nine States, Rescue Five Kidnap Victims, Arrest Kingpin, Cultists, Robbery Suspects
By Goodness Ekpang
Abuja (Core Reporters) -The Nigeria Police Force has recorded major operational successes across nine states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) within the last 24 hours, rescuing five kidnap victims, arresting a suspected kidnap kingpin, cultists, armed robbery suspects and other criminal elements.
In Akwa Ibom State, police detectives rescued a kidnap victim unharmed after tracking the kidnappers through intelligence-led communication monitoring. One suspect was arrested while attempting to collect ransom and reportedly confessed, implicating other members of the gang.
In Imo State, sustained intelligence operations led to the arrest of a notorious kidnap kingpin, who confessed to participating in a cross-border kidnapping and armed robbery syndicate. Investigators are working to recover operational weapons and arrest other gang members.
Security operatives in Nasarawa State also rescued four kidnapped victims following sustained pressure on their abductors. The victims were medically evaluated and reunited with their families, while efforts continue to apprehend the fleeing kidnappers.
The police also intensified operations against cult-related violence. In Bayelsa State, operatives arrested a suspected cult hitman linked to the murder of a police constable, while in Edo State, a suspected notorious cultist was arrested based on credible intelligence. A locally made pistol and two live cartridges were recovered during the operation.
In Ekiti State, detectives arrested a suspect for allegedly defiling a 15-year-old girl. The victim was rescued and taken for medical examination and treatment.
The Federal Capital Territory recorded multiple breakthroughs, including the arrest of a suspected car thief caught attempting to steal a vehicle with a master key. Police also tracked a stolen iPhone, leading to the arrest of an armed robbery suspect. In a separate incident, officers restored order after an attack on Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) personnel, arresting one suspect, impounding two vehicles and rescuing all affected FRSC personnel unharmed.
In Oyo State, intelligence-led operations resulted in the arrest of two suspected armed robbers who allegedly confessed to carrying out more than 30 motorcycle robberies. Two blood-stained pestles were recovered, while efforts continue to recover stolen motorcycles and apprehend receivers of the stolen property. Police also intercepted and recovered a stolen tricycle, arresting the suspect in possession of it.
Similarly, in Osun State, police arrested a suspect over the death of a serving police officer. In another operation, officers arrested a suspect over threat-to-life allegations and recovered a cut-to-size pistol, with efforts ongoing to arrest fleeing accomplices.
Core Reporters report that the Nigeria Police Force said all cases have been transferred to the respective State Criminal Investigation Departments (SCIDs) for further investigation and prosecution, reaffirming its commitment to protecting lives and property through intelligence-driven policing nationwide.
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