Police Rescue Captives in Niger, Recover Firearms in Taraba, Plateau
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has made significant strides in its ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping, armed banditry, and the proliferation of illegal firearms across the country. Through coordinated intelligence-led operations, officers have arrested key suspects, rescued kidnapped victims, and recovered high-grade weapons from criminal hideouts in Niger, Plateau, and Taraba States.
According to a press statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the operations are part of a broader internal security drive aimed at dismantling criminal networks and ensuring the safety of citizens nationwide.
In Niger State, a joint operation between police operatives and local security outfits led to the rescue of seven kidnapped victims in Tungan-Boka and Masaha villages of Mashegu Local Government Area. The security team traced the kidnappers to a forest hideout in Tungan-Boka, where a gun duel ensued. The operatives overpowered the suspects, successfully rescuing all seven hostages unharmed.
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In a separate incident in Plateau State, credible intelligence led police operatives to a suspected criminal base along Bauchi Road in Jos North Local Government Area. An ash-colored Golf Wagon was found abandoned, and a subsequent search uncovered 500 rounds of 7.65mm ammunition. Investigations have linked the find to a culpable homicide case reported on May 3, 2025, in which an unidentified individual was killed.
Taraba State also witnessed two major breakthroughs. Police operatives apprehended a suspect, Lookman Tanko, who was found in possession of one AK-47 rifle, one pump-action rifle, and a long gun. In a related operation, detectives from the Force Intelligence Department’s Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) arrested 45-year-old Peter Apai of Mubai District in Ardo Kola LGA. An AK-47 rifle, a pump-action shotgun, and an AK-47 magazine were recovered from him.
The suspects are currently undergoing investigation and will be charged to court in due course, according to the police statement.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, lauded the commitment and courage of the officers involved in the operations. He emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration between the police and local communities in combating crime and urged the public to continue providing credible information to aid investigations.
The police statement reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to protecting lives and property and assured Nigerians that efforts to eliminate criminal elements across the country will be intensified.
By PRNigeria
