Police Rescue Kidnap Victims, Arrest 8, Recover Arms in Edo, Delta, Katsina, and Adamawa

The Nigeria Police Force has announced a major breakthrough in its operations against violent crimes, rescuing two kidnap victims, arresting eight suspects, and seizing a cache of arms and ammunition across four states.

In a statement issued on Monday, July 7, 2025, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, detailed successful operations in Edo, Delta, Katsina, and Adamawa States targeting cultism, kidnapping, and illegal arms trade.

In Edo State, police operatives, working alongside local vigilantes, rescued Godday Irieude and Wisdom Emeka, who had been kidnapped from a farm in the Ewatto area on June 26. The rescue followed a gun battle in which the kidnappers, wounded, fled the scene, leaving the victims unharmed.

In Delta State, officers acting on intelligence raided a hideout in Mosogar, arresting suspected cultists Koko Josh (29) and Asomugha Clinton (27). Recovered items included a fabricated Beretta pistol, two locally made guns, live cartridges, mobile phones, and fetish items.

Two more cult members, Anthony Kelvin (26) and Gift Amotsuka (25), were later arrested and linked to the Aiye Confraternity.

In Okpanam, police arrested Ekene Chroma (36) and Okafor Jonathan (18) with two English-made single-barrel guns and 110 live cartridges, believed to be part of an arms supply syndicate.

In Katsina State, the Force Intelligence Department – Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) apprehended Yunusa Ishaku (40) in possession of stolen vehicles including a Toyota Hiace and Toyota Camry. He reportedly confessed to being part of a vehicle theft ring that smuggled stolen cars to Niger Republic. Additional stolen vehicles were traced to Zamfara and Bauchi States.

In Adamawa, police arrested Alhaji Iya Bima (52) with one AK-47 rifle, two magazines, and 50 rounds of live ammunition. Further investigation led to the recovery of another AK-47, three magazines, and more ammunition.

The operations come amid heightened public concern over rising insecurity and banditry in Nigeria. The coordinated efforts reflect a growing push by security agencies to dismantle criminal syndicates operating across multiple states.

“We are intensifying intelligence-led operations nationwide to restore safety and dismantle criminal networks,” said ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.

“All arrested suspects will be charged to court as investigations conclude,” he added.