Nigeria Police rescue 29 kidnap victims, arrest three suspects in Kogi, Lagos, Katsina

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has announced a series of successful operations resulting in the rescue of 29 kidnapped victims and the apprehension of three suspected kidnappers.

These coordinated actions, spanning Kogi, Lagos, and Katsina States, are part of the NPF’s ongoing commitment to curb violent crimes and bolster public confidence in national security.

Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed the developments on Monday, June 30, 2025, in a statement posted on X.

He highlighted that these operations were conducted under the direct supervision and directive of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun.

In Kogi State, police operatives on June 23, 2025, successfully repelled a kidnap attempt along the Obajana–Oshokoshoko road. Following a swift and decisive gun battle with the assailants, officers rescued 24 passengers who had been abducted from three commercial vehicles.

A day earlier, on June 22, officers from the Okene Division intercepted a suspicious Nissan vehicle heading towards Auchi.

The driver abandoned the vehicle and fled into a nearby forest, leaving behind an AK-47 rifle, 28 rounds of 5.6mm ammunition, a G3 magazine, and other personal effects. Efforts are currently underway to apprehend this fleeing suspect.

In Lagos State, police successfully rescued a 20-year-old male, Kehinde, who had been lured and subsequently kidnapped via WhatsApp in the Ikoga area of Morogbo.

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His abductors had demanded a ₦500,000 ransom. Acting on actionable intelligence, police arrested three suspects in connection with the abduction: Celestine Okeke (28), Michael Okonkwo (25), and Kehinde Oladun (30). The victim has since been safely reunited with his family.

Similarly, in Katsina State, police thwarted a kidnapping attempt at Mazare village.

Responding swiftly to the attack, officers engaged the kidnappers in a gunfight, forcing them to flee with injuries. As a result, four victims were rescued unhurt.

IGP Egbetokun has publicly commended the bravery and professionalism exhibited by the officers involved in these critical operations.

He reaffirmed the Force’s unwavering commitment to intelligence-led policing strategies and emphasized the importance of continued collaboration with other security agencies to ensure public safety.

The Nigeria Police Force has urged citizens to remain vigilant and continue cooperating with law enforcement by providing timely and credible information, which is crucial for maintaining public safety and order.