The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has intensified its fight against violent and organized crimes, neutralizing nine terrorists and recovering 23 firearms in recent operations across the country.
In a statement issued News men by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police reaffirmed their commitment to dismantling criminal networks threatening internal security.
The statement revealed that on February 14, armed men invaded Gobiraje Village in Suru Local Government Area of Kebbi State and kidnapped a 60-year-old man, Umaru Bawa. Upon receiving the report, police operatives trailed the suspects to Tundafari Forest in the Dakingari axis, engaging them in a fierce gun battle. Four kidnappers were neutralized, one was arrested with fatal injuries, and the victim was rescued unhurt. The police also recovered ₦3 million, which had already been paid as ransom.
Similarly, on February 8, operatives of the Imo State Police Command, in collaboration with other security agencies, raided an IPOB/ESN camp in Ezioha Mbaitolu, Umuele Umuaka Njaba LGA. The operation led to the neutralization of two ESN kingpins and the recovery of seven AK-47 rifles, 13 pump-action guns, and hundreds of rounds of live ammunition.
A follow-up operation on February 9 at the Nkwukwo Forest in Mbaitoli LGA, bordering Ubachima Forest in Awomama Oru West LGA, resulted in another armed confrontation. Three additional terrorist leaders were neutralized, and security operatives recovered two AK-47 rifles loaded with 36 rounds of live ammunition, one pump-action gun, a cutlass, four motorcycles, and various criminal charms.
Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun commended the operatives for their bravery and emphasized the importance of sustained intelligence gathering and community engagement.
He assured Nigerians that the police would continue their efforts to enhance security nationwide and urged citizens to promptly report suspicious activities.
