Police Rescue Nine Kidnap Victims, Arrest Suspects In 24-Hour Operations

The Nigeria Police Force has rescued nine kidnapped victims and arrested several suspects in separate operations across eight states in the last 24 hours.

In Benue State, police operatives rescued eight victims abducted during an attack on a commercial bus in Omla Forest, Ankpechi Ogobia Community, Ohimini Local Government Area.

The victims were rescued following an intensive search operation and evacuated for medical treatment. However, one of them, 34-year-old Uche Okike, died from gunshot wounds sustained during the attack.

In Kwara State, a joint operation involving the police, military and vigilantes led to the rescue of a kidnapped victim who escaped from his abductors and was subsequently reunited with his family.

The operation followed an armed attack in Idofin Aiyekale, Okero LGA, during a search for two people who had entered the bush. One person was fatally injured, while two others escaped unhurt.

Meanwhile, police and military personnel in Sokoto State repelled a bandit attack on Bagayawa Village, Wamakko LGA, during Maulud celebrations.

The attackers, who were armed with sophisticated weapons, reportedly fired sporadically, killing two people and injuring two others. They also rustled an unspecified number of domestic animals.

Police tactical teams, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Vigilance and Community Relations Unit and Army personnel were deployed, with joint patrols continuing to track the attackers.

In Enugu State, police arrested 38-year-old Chukwujekwu Chukwuemeka, a wanted armed robbery suspect, during a raid on his hideout. A cut-to-size pump-action gun and one live round of ammunition were recovered.

In Ekiti State, Rapid Response Squad operatives arrested 25-year-old Fasipe Ilesanmi Ezekiel after suspected cultists armed with axes and other weapons reportedly went on a rampage in Ado-Ekiti.

Police said one person sustained a deep cut injury in an alleged attempted murder, while two others were reportedly held hostage before the arrival of the police.

In Bauchi State, 22-year-old Audu Babangida was arrested over the alleged killing of 25-year-old Haruna Bala during a farm-related altercation at Kafin Sarkin Yaki, Kirfi LGA. A knife allegedly used in the attack was recovered.

In Kaduna State, police arrested 25-year-old Usman Dankawu Lauwali over an armed robbery at Rijana, Kachia LGA.

Police said the suspect confessed to participating in the robbery, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing suspects and recover the stolen property.

Similarly, in Cross River State, police tracked and arrested Ushie Joseph at his hideout following an alleged armed robbery at Effraya Village, Etung LGA.

Police said efforts are ongoing to recover the locally fabricated pistol allegedly used in the attack and the stolen money.

The various cases are being investigated by the respective State Criminal Investigation Departments.