Police raid suspected crime hideouts, recover rifles, ₦10m ransom and stolen SUV in 10 states

The Nigeria Police Force has rescued two kidnapped victims in Kano State, recovered a ₦10 million ransom and neutralised two suspected abductors during security operations conducted across 10 states.

The operations also led to the arrest of several suspects and the recovery of firearms, ammunition, suspected illicit drugs, stolen property and other items linked to criminal activities, according to an operational report released by the police.

The report was made available to journalists in Abuja on Saturday by the Force spokesperson, CSP Ani Ineidu.

In Kano State, police operatives working alongside local hunters rescued the two victims unharmed after carrying out a tactical ambush against suspected kidnappers who had collected a ₦10 million ransom.

Two suspected abductors were neutralised during the operation, while the ransom was recovered intact. Another suspect reportedly escaped with injuries.

The development represents one of the major outcomes of the coordinated operations, which targeted suspected kidnapping networks, armed robbery suspects, cult groups and drug-related activities across the country.

In Adamawa State, three suspected kidnappers were arrested during a raid on a suspected criminal hideout in Mayo-Belwa Local Government Area.

Police said operatives recovered two AK-47 rifles and 45 rounds of live ammunition during the operation, which involved an exchange of gunfire.

In Imo State, officers arrested a suspected kingpin allegedly linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), alongside three other suspects.

One AK-47 rifle, 21 rounds of ammunition, mobile phones and charms were recovered. The police said information obtained during interrogation had prompted further operations aimed at rescuing other kidnapped victims and apprehending additional suspects.

Delta State recorded several arrests during the security operations, including three suspected members of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity in Ughelli South.

Two locally made pistols, cartridges, cult-related regalia and charms were recovered during the operation. In a separate raid at Jeddo community, police arrested another 10 suspected cultists.

Officers also arrested a suspected armed robber who was allegedly attempting to dispose of a Mercedes-Benz ML350 SUV stolen during an armed robbery in Edo State. The vehicle was recovered, and the police said the victim had been contacted.

Another suspected armed robber was arrested in Ughelli North, with a locally made firearm and live ammunition recovered.

In Ika South, four suspects were arrested at a suspected criminal hideout. Police recovered a double-barrelled pump-action gun, a laptop, six mobile phones and camouflage clothing.

In Enugu State, police arrested a suspected drug peddler during an operation at the suspect’s residence.

Items recovered included a locally made firearm, three expended cartridges, substances suspected to be cannabis, sachets of Tramadol, other suspected illicit drugs and charms.

In Akwa Ibom State, three suspects were arrested during a raid on a suspected criminal hideout in Eket Local Government Area. Officers recovered a Tecno Android phone suspected to have been stolen, substances suspected to be Indian hemp and other exhibits.

Meanwhile, in Nasarawa State, police arrested a suspect following a petition alleging unlawful possession of firearms.

A search at New Nyanya led to the recovery of a locally made pistol, while efforts continued to apprehend another suspect and recover ammunition.

The police said the cases were being investigated by the respective State Criminal Investigation Departments in Kano, Yola, Owerri, Asaba, Enugu, Uyo and Lafia.

The Force reiterated its commitment to tackling kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, drug trafficking and other crimes, urging members of the public to provide credible information that could assist security agencies in identifying suspects and preventing further criminal activities.