The Nigeria Police Force has neutralised seven terrorists and recovered 23 firearms, along with assorted ammunition, in recent operations across the country.
The Force Public Relations Officer ASP Muyiwa Adejobi in a statement issued on Sunday said the operations were part of efforts to dismantle criminal networks and enhance internal security.
The statement noted that on February 14, 2025, armed men invaded Gobiraje Village in Suru Local Government Area of Kebbi State and kidnapped a 60-year-old man, Umaru Bawa.
Police operatives in Kebbi State trailed the suspects to Tundafari Forest in the Dakingari axis, where they engaged the kidnappers in a gun duel, killing four of them and arresting one with fatal injuries. The victim was rescued unhurt, and the sum of N3 million, already paid as ransom, was recovered.
Similarly, on 8 February 2025, police operatives in Imo State, in collaboration with other security agencies, raided an IPOB/ESN terrorist camp in Ezioha Mbaitolu, Umuele Umuaka, Njaba LGA. Two ESN kingpins were neutralised, and security forces recovered seven AK-47 rifles, 13 pump-action guns, and hundreds of rounds of live ammunition.
It added that as a follow-up, on 9 February 2025, the operatives moved to Nkwukwo Forest in Mbaitoli LGA, near the boundary with Ubachima Forest in Awomama Oru West LGA, Imo State, where they intercepted a group of terrorists who opened fire upon sighting the police.
During the ensuing exchange, three terrorist kingpins were further neutralised. Two AK-47 rifles, each loaded with 36 rounds of live ammunition, one pump-action gun, one cutlass, four motorcycles, and various criminal charms were also recovered.
It maintained that these operations not only reflect the Force’s commitment to maintaining law and order but also demonstrate its determination to dismantle criminal networks that threaten the safety of citizens.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, has commended the brave efforts of the operatives involved.
