Police Nab 12 Kidnappers, Recover Guns in Nationwide Security Sweep

The Nigeria Police Force has apprehended 12 suspected kidnappers and three gun-runners in coordinated operations across several states, recovering numerous firearms and ammunition.

According to ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force’s Public Relations Officer, the arrests followed credible intelligence and collaboration with local vigilantes and hunters.

On April 25, 2025, four suspects-Shehu Ibrahim, Abdullahi Haruna, Yusuf Bello, and Mohammed Bako-were arrested in Taraba State’s Lau Local Government Area while planning a kidnapping. The police seized two AK-49 rifles, one AK-47 rifle, six magazines, and 45 rounds of live ammunition.

Earlier raids captured five suspected kidnappers linked to a gang terrorizing multiple states, recovering several AK-47 and AK-49 rifles and magazines. In Kaduna State, Isa Ibrahim was arrested for attempting to form a new kidnapping gang, with two others, Sani Liman and Murtala Magaji, also detained.

Further arrests of gun-runners yielded fabricated rifles and ammunition. The suspects will be charged after investigations.

IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun praised the police for their dedication to protecting citizens.