Olusegun Ariyo
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has intensified its crackdown on violent and organized crime, eliminating nine terrorists and recovering 23 firearms in a series of operations across the country.
In a statement released on Friday, Force Public Relations Officer ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi reaffirmed the police’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks that threaten national security.
One of the key operations took place on February 14, when armed men kidnapped a 60-year-old man, Umaru Bawa, from Gobiraje Village in Suru Local Government Area of Kebbi State. Acting on intelligence, police operatives pursued the suspects to Tundafari Forest in the Dakingari area.
A fierce gun battle ensued, resulting in the neutralization of four kidnappers and the arrest of another, who later succumbed to his injuries. The victim was rescued unharmed, and the police recovered ₦3 million that had been paid as ransom.
In another operation on February 8, security forces, including operatives from the Imo State Police Command, raided a suspected hideout of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Ezioha Mbaitolu, Umuele Umuaka Njaba LGA.
Two ESN commanders were neutralized, and authorities seized seven AK-47 rifles, 13 pump-action shotguns, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.
A follow-up operation on February 9 at Nkwukwo Forest in Mbaitoli LGA, near Ubachima Forest in Awomama Oru West LGA, led to another armed confrontation.
Three more terrorist leaders were taken down, and security forces recovered additional weapons, including two AK-47 rifles loaded with 36 rounds of ammunition, a pump-action shotgun, a cutlass, four motorcycles, and various charms used for criminal activities.
Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun praised the operatives for their bravery and underscored the need for continuous intelligence gathering and community cooperation.
He reassured Nigerians of the police’s commitment to ensuring national security and urged the public to report any suspicious activities
