By Oluwakemi Kindness
The Nigeria Police Force has rescued 19 kidnapped victims in separate operations across Ogun, Enugu, Plateau and Oyo states.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, disclosed this in the Force’s state-by-state operational summary on Wednesday.
According to the police, the operations were carried out between August 3 and 4 as part of intelligence-led efforts to tackle kidnapping and other crimes.
In Ogun State, police rescued 16 foreign nationals from a hideout in Onipanu-Ota and arrested a suspected fraudster and abductor linked to multiple victims across Ogun, Oyo and Osun states.
One Malian international passport was recovered, while efforts are ongoing to arrest the alleged principal suspect.
In Enugu, joint security operatives rescued two kidnap victims unhurt after engaging suspected kidnappers in a gun battle.
Police said 15 rounds of live AK-47 ammunition, mobile phones, cash and other exhibits were recovered from the suspects’ hideout.
The victims received medical attention before being reunited with their families.
In Plateau State, police arrested two suspected kidnappers and recovered an AK-47 rifle and 30 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.
In Oyo State, three suspected armed robbers and cultists were arrested during a stop-and-search operation, with a locally fabricated pistol and an axe recovered.
The police also said joint security operatives rescued a kidnap victim unhurt after engaging suspected kidnappers in a gun duel.
Meanwhile, in Delta State, police arrested a suspect over the alleged rape of a pregnant woman and took the victim for medical examination and treatment.
In Benue State, three foreign nationals were arrested following what police described as credible intelligence over alleged clandestine activities.
In Katsina State, police said operatives engaged armed bandits in a gun duel, forcing them to flee with gunshot injuries.
Three rustled cows were recovered, while efforts to arrest the fleeing suspects continue.
The Force said the various operations demonstrate its continued efforts to combat kidnapping, armed robbery, banditry and other criminal activities across the country
