The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has announced significant breakthroughs in its recent operations, including the rescue of 31 kidnapped victims in Taraba and Edo States.
This was disclosed by the Police Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement on Friday, July 18, 2025.
“In Edo State on Friday, July 11th, 2025, at about 7:20 pm, police operatives of the state command responded to an attack along the Fugar-Agenebode road in Etsako East Local Government Area, where suspected kidnappers ambushed commuters, resulting in the death of two persons and the abduction of several others.
“A swift joint operation involving police operatives and local security outfits led to a coordinated search-and-rescue mission in the Obe Hill area, near the Ajaokuta axis. The rescue team engaged the kidnappers in a gun duel near Obe Hill, causing them to flee with various degrees of gun shot injuries, and successfully rescued fourteen (14) kidnapped victims. Efforts are being Intensified to ensure the fleeing perpetrators are brought to justice,” the statement reads in part.
ACP Adejobi revealed that, in Taraba State, on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at about 11:45 pm, police operatives responded swiftly to a distress call reporting a kidnapping incident along the Wukari Highway, shortly after the Federal University Wukari.
He noted that a white Toyota bus conveying 17 passengers from Enugu to Yola, Adamawa State, had been ambushed by armed men suspected to be kidnappers.
“Upon receiving the call, operatives mobilised in collaboration with other security agencies and advanced to the scene. On sighting the approaching security forces, the suspected kidnappers fled into the surrounding bush, leaving behind all 17 kidnapped victims unhurt. Efforts are underway to apprehend the fleeing culprits,” the spokesperson said.
Reacting to the breakthroughs, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, commended the gallantry and swift action of the operatives involved in both operations.
IGP Egbetokun emphasised that these successful outcomes reflect the reinforced commitment of the NPF to citizen protection and national security, assuring members of the public that targeted operations to dismantle criminal networks across the country will continue with renewed vigour.
