The Nigeria Police Force has made significant arrests across the country, including four suspected kidnappers in Rivers State and 17 Cameroonian nationals in Benue State. According to CSP Anthony Iniedu, the Force Public Relations Officer, these operations were part of a nationwide effort to enhance security and combat various crimes. In Rivers State, the suspects allegedly confessed to kidnapping 24-year-old Gift Malekwe and other incidents, using dating sites to lure victims.
In Cross River State, police operatives successfully rescued an 11-year-old boy who had been abducted and found tied up in a suspect's room with head injuries. The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Abashi John, was taken into custody for investigation. The State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Calabar is handling the case. This rescue operation highlights the police's commitment to protecting vulnerable citizens and bringing perpetrators to justice.
The police arrested 17 Cameroonian nationals in Benue State following credible intelligence about their alleged clandestine activities. The suspects entered Nigeria without valid travel documents and remained in custody as investigations continued. The SCID in Makurdi is investigating the matter. This arrest demonstrates the police's efforts to monitor and control border activities, ensuring that individuals entering the country do so lawfully.
In Anambra State, operatives arrested a 27-year-old suspect, Chidera Anthony, over an alleged armed robbery in Awka involving Mrs. Kate Mba. The victim was reportedly dispossessed of valuables, including a mobile phone, a point-of-sale machine, and ₦40,000 in cash. Police recovered the victim's purse, an unregistered Tiger motorcycle, an axe, and other items from the suspect's hideout. Efforts were ongoing to arrest his alleged accomplice, who remained at large.
In Borno State, police and military personnel intensified search-and-rescue operations following the abduction of 38-year-old Yusuf Tahir, a driver attached to GISCOR. Tahir was reportedly abducted by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) or Boko Haram members at Kareto in Mobbar Local Government Area. The security teams were working to secure his release and arrest those responsible. The SCID in Maiduguri is investigating the incident.
Other incidents reported across the country included the abduction of a Chinese national, Liyuan Xiao, and his manager, Sunday, in Ogun State, and an attack by suspected armed bandits in Zamfara State, which left one person dead and two others injured. In Bauchi State, two commercial motorcyclists were attacked, resulting in one death and the theft of two Boxer motorcycles valued at ₦2 million.
The police said the operations formed part of its nationwide security efforts, with investigations and searches continuing in several cases involving kidnapping, robbery, homicide, and suspected trafficking-related activities. The force remains committed to protecting citizens and bringing perpetrators to justice.
Key points
- The Nigerian Police Force arrested four suspected kidnappers in Rivers State and 17 Cameroonian nationals in Benue State.
- Police operatives rescued an 11-year-old abducted boy in Cross River State.
- The police continue to investigate and search for suspects in multiple cases across the country.
