The Nigeria Police Force has announced the rescue of 29 kidnap victims and the arrest of three suspects in coordinated operations carried out in Kogi, Lagos, and Katsina states.
Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, revealed the details in a statement posted on Monday, June 30, via X.
He noted that the operations were part of a national push to curb violent crimes and improve public safety under the directive of Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
In Kogi State, police operatives on patrol along the Obajana–Oshokoshoko road on June 23 engaged suspected kidnappers in a fierce gunfight, successfully rescuing 24 passengers abducted from three commercial vehicles.
“Similarly, on 22nd June 2025, Police operatives attached to Okene Division, Kogi State, intercepted a suspicious Nissan vehicle heading towards Auchi. The driver of the vehicle absconded into the forest, leaving behind a bag,” Adejobi stated.
He continued, “A detailed search conducted on the vehicle led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, 28 rounds of 5.6mm ammunition, one G3 magazine, a black shirt, phone accessories, and other personal items. Efforts are underway to apprehend the fleeing suspect.”
In Lagos, a 20-year-old man named Kehinde was rescued by police after being abducted in the Ikoga area of Morogbo.
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According to the police, the victim had been lured via WhatsApp and a ransom of ₦500,000 demanded from his family.
Acting on credible intelligence, the police arrested three suspects identified as Celestine Okeke (28), Michael Okonkwo (25), and Kehinde Oladun (30). Kehinde was later reunited with his family.
In a separate incident in Katsina State, police responded swiftly to a report of an attempted abduction in Mazare village.
Officers engaged the kidnappers in a shootout, forcing them to flee with gunshot wounds and successfully rescuing four victims unharmed.
“The kidnappers were overpowered by the superior firepower of the operatives, causing them to flee with various degrees of gunshot injuries,” Adejobi said.
Inspector-General Egbetokun commended the bravery and professionalism of the officers involved, reaffirming the police force’s commitment to intelligence-led policing, rapid response actions, and continued cooperation with other security bodies.
The police also urged Nigerians to stay vigilant and report suspicious activities to relevant authorities.
