PRESS RELEASE

POLICE RESCUE KIDNAPPED HOSTAGES, ARREST 17 FOR MURDER.

As IGP Reiterates Commitment to Public Safety.

In a remarkable display of courage and commitment, Police Operatives attached to the Imo State Command successfully executed a daring rescue operation that led to the safe liberation of 4 kidnapped hostages. The operation was carried out on Saturday, January 4th 2025, after the operatives received a distress call reporting the abduction of 4 persons in Umuokanne, Ohaji LGA, Imo State. The police operatives swiftly swung into action, locating the criminal hideout and engaging the kidnappers in a fierce gun-duel, during which 2 of the kidnappers were neutralized.

The success of the operation led to the rescue of the 4 victims and the recovery of 1 Ak-47 rifle, 1 Ak-47 magazine and 21 rounds of live 7.62mm ammunition. The Force reaffirms its resolute devotion to combatting heinous crimes such as this, and assures members of the public that efforts to rid off criminal elements from our society will continue relentlessly, ensuring the safety and security of all residents.

In another development, on the 3rd of January 2025, Police operatives attached to the Ebonyi State Command arrested 17 suspects in Enohia Itim village, Afikpo LGA for the murder of one Uromchi Okorocha ‘m’, who was accused by local youths of being involved in the killing of several individuals through alleged witchcraft and spiritual means. The suspects had mobilized and apprehended the deceased, but instead of handing him over to legal authorities and committing to the rule of law, they decided to take laws into their hands, becoming judge, jury and executioner. The police operatives of the Uwanna Division mobilized tactical teams to the scene on a rescue mission but the angry mob had already killed and burned Mr Okorocha before the arrival of the Police team.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., condemns this act of jungle justice in totality. Citizens are once again urged to refrain from taking laws into their hands and report any suspected criminal activities to the nearest police division or formation around them for necessary action.

The efforts of the police are constant reaffirmations of the dedication to bring to book perpetrators of heinous acts of crime in our societies. The IGP once again reiterates the unwavering commitment of the Force to public safety and justice for victims of violent crimes. Citizens are encouraged to engage with security agencies, providing any information that may assist in the ultimate goal of creating a utopian society for all. The Nigeria Police Force remains ever committed to ensuring a safe environment for everyone.

ACP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, mnipr, mipra, fCAI
FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
FORCE HEADQUARTERS,
ABUJA.

5th January 2025.

The Kebbi State Police Command said two police officers lost their lives during a gun duel with bandits suspected to be Lakurawa sect members in Kebbi State on Friday, as they attempted to foil a cattle rustling operation.

This was according to a statement made available to newsmen on Saturday by the command’s spokesman, SP Nafiu Abubakar.

The statement read, “On the 3rd January 2025, at about 0100hrs, armed hoodlums suspected to be Lakurawa bandits on motorcycles invaded Alhaji Lawal Block Farm and nearby Fulani settlements located at Natsini village, along Argungu/Kangiwa road and rustled unspecified number of cows.

“On receipt of the report, a team of Police Safer Highway patrol immediately rushed to the scene, engaged the bandits in a gun duel, pursued them, forcing the bandits to escape into the forest with gunshot wounds and successfully recovered some of the rustled cows.

“Regrettably, two police officers lost their lives during the encounter.”

Meanwhile, the state Commissioner of Police, Bello Sani, condemned the incident while praying for the souls of the deceased officers to have eternal rest.

He said the CP also paid an on-the-spot assessment visit to the scene, after which he visited the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji  Sama’ila Mera, where he condoled and briefed him on the efforts of combined security agencies towards combating crimes in the area.

In a continuation of his operational tour of Defence Headquarters-led operations, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has visited frontline units under Operation Safe Haven in Kaduna and Plateau states.

Addressing troops at the newly established 2 National Mission Brigade in Samaru Kataf, Kaduna State, and Sector 8 Mangu, Plateau State, General Musa emphasized the need for professionalism in operations. He charged the troops to respect and protect citizens’ human rights while executing their duties. According to the CDS, the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) are trained to safeguard lives and property, as well as uphold citizens’ rights.

The CDS urged the troops to intensify their operations against criminal elements, instructing them to take the fight directly to the hideouts of insurgents and flush them out completely. “I want to see renewed and greater vigor in the fight against insurgency as we move into 2025,” he said. General Musa also warned against illegal activities that could tarnish the reputation of the Armed Forces, stressing the importance of teamwork to achieve greater operational success.

Earlier during the visit, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division