Nigerian Police Operations Lead to Kidnap Victim Rescues, Arrests, and Large Weapon Seizures
Enet
The Nigeria Police Force has announced the rescue of two kidnapped victims, the arrest of eight suspects involved in cultism, carjacking, and arms trafficking, and the recovery of a large stash of weapons and ammunition. These operations took place across Edo, Delta, Katsina, and Adamawa States.
ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer, stated on Monday that these efforts aim to break up criminal groups and improve safety for the public.
On June 26, 2025, two people—Godday Irieude and Wisdom Emeka—were kidnapped from their farm in the Ewatto area of Edo State at around 1 a.m. Police officers, working with local vigilantes, followed the kidnappers to their hideout.
“When they saw the police, the kidnappers opened fire,” Adejobi explained. “The officers’ firepower forced the kidnappers to run away with gunshot wounds. The victims were rescued safely and unharmed.”
In Delta State, police arrested two suspected cult members in Mosogar. Acting on good intelligence and a search warrant, they apprehended Koko Josh (29) and Asomugha Clinton (27). A search of their home turned up:
- A made-up Beretta pistol with two bullets
- Two homemade guns
- Eight live cartridges
- Multiple mobile phones
- A laptop
- Fetish items
Further police work led to the arrest of two more cult members—Anthony Kelvin (26) and Gift Amotsuka (25).
In Okpanam, officers caught Ekene Chroma (36) and Okafor Jonathan (18). They also recovered two English-made single-barrel guns and 110 rounds of live ammunition. The police found they were involved in illegal arms trade, acting as messengers for wanted criminals.
In Katsina, operatives from the Force Intelligence Department’s Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) arrested Yunusa Ishaku (40) in Funtua. He was holding two stolen vehicles—a Toyota Hiace bus and a Toyota Camry.
During questioning, the suspect admitted he was part of a nationwide car theft ring. The group trades stolen vehicles in Abuja, Jos, and other cities. He said some vehicles were smuggled into Niger for resale. He also named three other stolen vehicles in Zamfara and Bauchi States.
In Adamawa State, FID-IRT officers caught 52-year-old Alhaji Iya Bima from Kem Shithem LGA. He was found with:
- One AK-47 rifle
- Two magazines
- Fifty rounds of 7.62x39mm live ammunition
Further questioning led to the recovery of another AK-47, three more magazines, and 50 additional rounds.
The police promise to continue their fight against crime.
“All suspects will be charged after investigations finish,” Adejobi said.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, confirmed the force’s resolve to fight crime with better intelligence and stronger operations. He asked the public to stay alert and report any suspicious activity at the nearest station or emergency lines.
