7 kidnappers neutralised, 5 robbers arrested in Delta, Kaduna

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have neutralised seven suspected kidnappers, arrested five armed robbery suspects in coordinated operations across Delta and Kaduna States.

The operatives also recovered stolen vehicles and weapons from the suspects.

On June 4, officers of the Delta State Police Command, working alongside local vigilantes and anti-cult volunteers, engaged a group of kidnappers along the Abraka Railway axis.

The intense gun battle resulted in the deaths of four suspects. One AK-47 rifle and 13 rounds of live ammunition were recovered at the scene.

In a separate operation, the CP Special Assignment Team intercepted a shuttle bus along the Ughelli-Patani Road.

The occupants opened fire upon sighting the police, sparking a shootout that led to the neutralisation of three more suspects.

Another AK-47 rifle loaded with 18 rounds of ammunition was recovered.

Preliminary investigations linked the group to a notorious kidnapping syndicate operating in the region.

Meanwhile, in Kaduna, police operatives arrested five suspects believed to be members of an armed robbery syndicate.

Their arrest followed the recovery of a Toyota Hilux stolen from the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja on 28 May.

The lead suspect, Mohammed Kabir from Zamfara State, was nabbed near Zaria after a high-speed chase.

Further arrests led to the recovery of additional stolen vehicles, including a Toyota Camry, a Honda CR-V, and a Toyota Camry 1998 model all linked to separate thefts in Abuja and Nasarawa.

Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, praised the officers for their swift action and urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.

“These successes highlight the power of collaboration and community intelligence in defeating criminal elements,” Egbetokun said.