Police Bust Kidnapping, Cult Gangs, Arrest 8 Suspects, Recover Weapons
In a string of intelligence-led operations across four states, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has arrested eight suspects involved in kidnapping, cultism, arms trafficking, and car theft. Two kidnapped victims were also rescued unhurt in the coordinated efforts.
Disclosing the development in a statement on Monday, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the operations were carried out in Delta, Edo, Katsina, and Adamawa States with the support of local vigilante groups.
According to Adejobi, the rescue operation in Edo State followed the abduction of two individuals, Godday Irieude and Wisdom Emeka, from their farm in Ewatto area around 1:00 am on June 26, 2025. Acting swiftly, police operatives tracked the kidnappers to their hideout and launched a tactical operation.
“The kidnappers engaged the police in a fierce gun battle but were overpowered by superior firepower, which forced them to flee with various gunshot injuries. Both victims were rescued unharmed,” he stated.
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In another operation in Delta State, officers acting on credible intelligence stormed a residence in the Mosogar area, arresting two suspected cultists—29-year-old Koko Josh and 27-year-old Asomugha Clinton. A search of the premises uncovered a cache of arms and ammunition, including a fabricated Baretta pistol loaded with live rounds, two locally made guns, eight cartridges, multiple mobile phones, a laptop, and fetish items.
Further investigation led to the arrest of two additional suspects, Anthony Kelvin (26) and Gift Amotsuka (25), all confirmed members of the Aiye Confraternity.
In a separate crackdown in Okpanam, Delta State, police arrested two suspects—Ekene Chroma (36) and Okafor Jonathan (18)—who were found in possession of two English-made single-barrel guns and 110 live cartridges. Preliminary findings linked them to illegal arms trade, where they served as couriers for wanted criminals.
Meanwhile, in Funtua, Katsina State, operatives of the Force Intelligence Department – Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) apprehended a 40-year-old suspect, Yunusa Ishaku, in possession of two stolen vehicles: a Toyota Hiace bus and a Toyota Camry.
“During interrogation, Ishaku confessed to being part of a vehicle theft syndicate operating across Abuja, Jos, and other cities. He revealed that stolen vehicles were smuggled into Niger Republic for resale,” the police spokesman added.
He also disclosed that three more stolen vehicles—a Honda Accord, a Toyota Carina II, and a Toyota Camry (1998 model)—were traced to locations in Zamfara and Bauchi States.
ACP Adejobi confirmed that further investigations are ongoing to apprehend additional suspects and recover more stolen vehicles and criminal assets.
By PRNigeria
