Police Rescue 29 Captives, Arrest 3 Suspects in Kogi, Lagos, Katsina
In a series of coordinated operations across Kogi, Lagos, and Katsina States, the Nigeria Police Force has rescued no fewer than 29 kidnapped victims, arrested three suspected kidnappers, and recovered an AK-47 rifle along with ammunition and other dangerous weapons.
The Force Headquarters disclosed this in a press statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Monday, June 30, 2025. The statement also reaffirmed the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun’s unwavering commitment to the ongoing fight against violent crimes in Nigeria.
According to the statement, on June 23, 2025, police operatives from the Kogi State Command on patrol along the Obajana–Oshokoshoko Road successfully foiled a kidnap attempt on three commercial vehicles. The operatives engaged the kidnappers in a fierce gun duel and rescued all 24 victims unhurt.
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In a related development on June 22, operatives from Okene Division of the same command intercepted a suspicious Nissan vehicle en route to Auchi. The driver reportedly abandoned the car and fled into a nearby forest. A thorough search of the vehicle led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, 28 rounds of 5.6mm ammunition, a G3 magazine, a black shirt, phone accessories, and other personal items. The police have launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspect.
Meanwhile, in Lagos State, police operatives responded to an abduction case in the Ikoga area of Morogbo, where a 20-year-old male identified as Kehinde was lured via WhatsApp and kidnapped. The suspects had demanded ₦500,000 ransom from the victim’s family. Acting swiftly on credible intelligence, officers arrested three suspects — Celestine Okeke (28), Michael Okonkwo (25), and Kehinde Oladun (30). The victim was rescued unharmed and has since been reunited with his family.
Also, in Katsina State, the police foiled a kidnapping attempt at Mazare village following reports of an attack. The operatives engaged the armed kidnappers in a shootout, forcing them to flee with gunshot wounds. Four kidnapped victims were rescued safely during the operation.
Commending the gallantry and professionalism of the operatives involved in these successful missions, IGP Egbetokun urged police personnel across the country to sustain the momentum in flushing out criminal elements. He reiterated the Force’s dedication to intelligence-led policing, rapid response strategies, and robust inter-agency cooperation.
The Police urged members of the public to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and continue to collaborate with security agencies in the collective effort to ensure the safety of lives and property nationwide.
By PRNigeria
