16th February, 2025
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
The Nigeria Police Force on Sunday announced that its operatives had killed nine terrorists in separate gun battles across the country.
In a statement, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said the police had intensified operational strategies to combat violent and organised crimes, leading to significant successes in neutralising criminal elements and bolstering internal security.
He disclosed that in a recent operation on 14 February 2025, unknown armed men invaded Gobiraje Village in Suru LGA, Kebbi State, and abducted 60-year-old Umaru Bawa.
“Police operatives attached to the Kebbi State Command, upon receipt of the report, trailed the suspects to Tundafari Forest in the Dakingari axis of the State and engaged them in a fierce gun duel.
“Consequently, four of the kidnappers were neutralised, and one was arrested with fatal injuries, while the kidnapped victim was rescued unhurt. The operatives also recovered the sum of N3 million, which had already been paid to the kidnappers as ransom,” he said.
Adejobi further revealed that on 8 February 2025, police operatives in Imo State, in collaboration with other security agencies, launched a tactical operation targeting an IPOB/ESN terrorist camp in Ezioha Mbaitolu, Umuele Umuaka, Njaba LGA.
“The operation led to the neutralisation of two ESN kingpins, the recovery of seven AK-47 rifles, 13 pump-action guns, and hundreds of assorted live ammunition, and the successful dislodgement of the camp.
“As a follow-up, on 9 February 2025, the operatives moved to the Nkwukwo Forest in Mbaitolu LGA, near Ubachima Forest in Awomama, Oru West LGA, Imo State, where they intercepted a group of terrorists who opened fire upon sighting the police.
“During the ensuing exchange, three terrorist kingpins were further neutralised, while two AK-47 rifles, each loaded with 36 rounds of live ammunition, one pump-action gun, a cutlass, four motorcycles, and various criminal charms were recovered,” he explained.
According to Adejobi, these operations underscore the Force’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks and ensuring national security.
“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has commended the brave efforts of the operatives involved and emphasised the need for continued vigilance in the fight against crime.
“The Force assures members of the public that these operations will continue with renewed vigour, as it strives to create a safer environment for all Nigerians. As part of ongoing efforts, the IGP has called for increased intelligence gathering, community engagement, and prompt reporting of suspicious activities by citizens.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to protecting lives and property, reinforcing community trust, and fostering a peaceful and secure nation,” Adejobi said.
