The Nigeria Police Force announced the rescue of 10 individuals following a thwarted abduction attempt along the Funtua-Gusau highway on April 19, 2025. According to the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, officers from the Faskari Division of the Katsina State Police Command engaged suspected bandits in a fierce gun battle, compelling them to flee with bullet wounds. The swift response resulted in the safe rescue of two drivers and eight passengers, who were subsequently reunited with their families.

In a separate incident, Umar Ahmad, a 40-year-old “notorious criminal” wanted for several months, was apprehended at a roadblock in Jalingo on April 18, 2025. The arrest was made by the State Intelligence Department (SID) of Taraba State, in collaboration with local vigilantes. Further investigation led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, eight magazines, and 39 rounds of live ammunition. One of the recovered rifles was identified as belonging to the Taraba State Police Command, stolen during a 2023 ambush that resulted in the death of ASP Aminu Nuhu.

Additionally, on April 17, 2025, police officers from the Fegge Divisional Headquarters in Anambra State intercepted a suspicious shuttle bus along Port Harcourt Road in Onitsha. A thorough search of the vehicle revealed five pump-action guns, eight live cartridges, and two handcuffs concealed in a bag of rice. The bus has been taken for forensic examination, and efforts are underway to locate the culprits.

In another operation in Anambra State, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad/Anti-Kidnapping Unit arrested 25-year-old Israel Akachukwu at his residence in Nkpor on the same day. A search of his apartment yielded two pump-action guns, two live cartridges, a cutlass, a yellow axe, and a dagger. Akachukwu confessed to being a member of the Vikings Confraternity and is cooperating with the police to identify other gang members.

In Lagos, the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit conducted a routine enforcement operation targeting criminal activities. The operation, which began around 12:35 a.m., was led by the Agency’s Chairman, CSP Adetayo Akerele, and covered areas including Lekki, Ikoyi, Falomo Bridge, Eko Hotel, and Ligali Ayorinde. Acting on complaints about street urchins, hooligans, and pickpockets, the raid resulted in the arrest of 52 suspects (51 males and one female). Officials successfully restored order in the affected areas.

CSP Akerele reaffirmed the Taskforce’s commitment to maintaining environmental sanity and protecting lives and property across Lagos State. He emphasized that these enforcement exercises would continue to root out criminal elements. All suspects apprehended during the exercise will be charged to court.

The agency stated that the operation, which commenced at approximately 12:35 a.m., was led by the Chairman of the Agency, CSP Adetayo Akerele, and targeted key areas including Lekki, Ikoyi, Falomo Bridge, Eko Hotel, and Ligali Ayorinde. These areas had been flagged through numerous complaints and distress calls indicating the presence of street urchins, miscreants, hooligans, pickpockets, and other suspected criminals, especially during late hours.

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, commended the officers involved in the successful operations, reiterating the Force’s commitment to protecting the lives and property of citizens.