Police nab 3 terrorists, rescue 12 kidnapped victims, recover N10.3m cash

The operatives of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have arrested three suspected terrorists and recovered amounts of cash, arms and ammunition, just as they rescued of kidnapped victims.

The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday, April 20, 2025.

Adejobi said police operatives, at about 1:02 a.m. on April 17, while acting on credible intelligence stormed a suspected IPOB/ESN hideout on Cameron Street, Ubahu in Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State.

Adejobi said the suspected terrorists, on sighting police operatives, opened fire, resulting in a gun battle during which three suspects were arrested.

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He listed items recovered from the scene to include one AK-47 rifle, two pump-action guns, 18 live cartridges, mobile devices, laptops, and N10.3 million in cash suspected to be proceeds of kidnapping for ransom.

The police spokesman added: “In another development in Edo State, following the news of the abduction of 10 students who were on their way to Backcock University for the annual GYC Africa conference on the 16th of April 2025, police operatives of the State Command immediately picked up the trail of these kidnappers, and upon encounter, engaged them in a fierce gun duel.

“One of the kidnappers was neutralized in the process, and the 10 victims were rescued unhurt.

“Similarly, on the 18th of April 2025 at about 21:15hrs, the command operatives also successfully rescued two other kidnapped victims who had been kidnapped on the 14th of April 2025, at their residence in Oluoke community of the State.”

Adejobi quoted the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, as commending the dedication of the police officers to upholding the law and exhibiting a high level of professionalism, while reaffirming the devotion of the NPF towards protecting the lives and property of every citizen and respect for human rights.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens and will continue to work tirelessly to combat crime in all its forms,” he added.

The Star