In a series of coordinated security operations, police operatives have neutralized seven suspected terrorists in Kebbi and Imo states, rescuing a kidnapped victim and recovering ₦3 million in ransom money.
According to Force spokesman Muyiwa Adejobi, the operation in Kebbi State followed an attack by gunmen who abducted a man named Umaru Bawa from Gobiraje Village in Suru Local Government Area. Acting on intelligence, officers trailed the kidnappers to Tundafari Forest in the Dakingari axis, where they engaged in a fierce shootout.
Four of the kidnappers were killed, while another was arrested with fatal injuries. Bawa was rescued unharmed, and authorities retrieved the ransom money already paid.
In a separate operation in Imo State, police officers targeted suspected members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) in Ezioha Mbaitolu within Umuele Umuaka Njaba LGA. The raid led to the deaths of two suspected ESN operatives and the recovery of a large cache of weapons, including seven AK-47 rifles, 13 pump-action guns, and assorted ammunition.
As a follow-up on February 9, security forces stormed Nkwukwo Forest, located at the border between Mbaitoli and Awomama Oru West LGAs. During the confrontation, three more suspected terrorist leaders were killed, and additional weapons, motorcycles, and criminal charms were seized.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, commended the operatives for their bravery and reiterated the force’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks and ensuring public safety.
