By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
Officers of the Nigeria Police Force have rescued two kidnapped victims, arrested eight suspects, and recovered a cache of arms and ammunition in ongoing efforts against cultism, violent crimes, gun running, and kidnapping across Delta, Katsina, Adamawa, and Edo states.
According to a statement issued by Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer, the operations recorded major breakthroughs.
In Edo State, on 26th June 2025, two farmers, Godday Irieude and Wisdom Emeka, were abducted from their farm in Ewatto at about 1:00 AM. A swift response by police operatives, working alongside local vigilantes, led to a gun duel during which the kidnappers fled with injuries, and the victims were rescued unhurt.
In Delta State, acting on credible intelligence, operatives raided a residence in Mosogar, arresting two suspected cultists, Koko Josh (29) and Asomugha Clinton (27). A search uncovered one fabricated Baretta pistol loaded with two live rounds, two locally made guns, eight live cartridges, mobile phones, a laptop, and fetish items.
Follow-up investigations led to the arrest of two more suspects, Anthony Kelvin (26) and Gift Amotsuka (25), confirmed members of the Aiye Confraternity.
In a related operation in Okpanam, Delta State, two men, Ekene Chroma (36) and Okafor Jonathan (18), were apprehended with two English-made single-barrel guns and 110 live cartridges. Preliminary findings revealed their involvement in illegal arms dealing.
Elsewhere in Katsina State, operatives of the Force Intelligence Department – Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) arrested Yunusa Ishaku (40) in possession of two stolen vehicles a Toyota Hiace and a Toyota Camry.
He confessed to belonging to a vehicle theft syndicate operating across Abuja, Jos, and other cities, with vehicles smuggled into Niger Republic for resale. He also disclosed the locations of three additional stolen vehicles in Zamfara and Bauchi states.
In Adamawa State, the FID-IRT arrested Alhaji Iya Bima (52) with one AK-47 rifle, two magazines, and 50 rounds of live ammunition. His interrogation led to the recovery of an additional AK-47 rifle, three magazines, and another 50 rounds.
The Force confirmed that all suspects would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun,reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to intensifying intelligence-driven operations and dismantling criminal networks
