The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has rescued five kidnapped victims in separate operations in Kebbi and Abia States, dismantling a notorious kidnapping gang and recovering a cache of arms and ammunition.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
According to the statement, in Kebbi State, police operatives, working with other security agencies and local vigilantes, rescued three abducted persons after engaging kidnappers in a fierce gun battle on July 27, 2025. The victims are Muhammad Nasamu Namata (25), Gide Namata (20), and Hamidu Alhaji Namani (35) — were kidnapped at Sangara Village in Shanga Local Government Area. The rescue operation took place in Shanga Hills, where the kidnappers were overpowered and fled with gunshot wounds.
In a separate operation on August 15, 2025, police operatives on routine patrol at Dankade Village in Ribah District of Danko/Wasagu LGA also rescued two other victims: Tukur Bello (26) and Isyaka Abubakar (25), who had been abducted while grazing cattle in Zamfara State.
The duo were rescued unhurt and reunited with their families.
Meanwhile, in Abia State, five suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate operating from Umuiku Obete Village in Ukwa West LGA were killed during a raid.
The gang was said to have been terrorising residents of Umuozo Village and Uratta Road, off Port Harcourt Road.
Items recovered from the suspects include six AK-47 rifles, 335 rounds of live ammunition, 14 magazines, five handsets, three cutlasses, five operational jackets, an axe, a pair of boots, one polo charm, and a double-barrelled long gun.
