Police rescue farmers kidnapped in Edo, nab 8 suspects, recover weapons

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

The Nigeria Police Force has listed rescue of two farmers abducted from their farm in Edo State, arrest of eight suspects, smashing of vehicle theft gang, and recovery of dangerous weapons among the significant recent successes recorded by its operatives in the fight against cultism, violent crimes, gunrunning, and kidnapping

Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the spokesperson for the Nigeria Police Force stated this in a statement released on his X handle early Monday morning.

According to the statement, police operatives achieved the feat in a series of coordinated intelligence-led operations across Delta, Katsina, Adamawa and Edo states.

Giving details of the operation, Adejobi said Godday Irieude and Wisdom Emeka who were abducted from their farm in Ewatto area of Edo State on 26 June at about 1:00 AM were rescued by operatives working with local vigilante groups.

According to him, the abductors of the farmers were trailed to their hideout. “The kidnappers upon sighting police operatives, engaged them in a fierce gun duel. However, the superior fire power of the operative caused the kidnappers to flee with various degree of gun shot injuries, leading to the rescue of the kidnapped victims unhurt.”

Adejobi also revealed in the statement that police operatives attached to the Delta State Command, acting on credible intelligence and a search warrant, stormed a residence in Mosogar area occupied by two suspected cultists; Koko Josh (29) and Asomugha Clinton (27).

He added that a thorough search of their premises lead to the recovery of 1 fabricated Baretta pistol loaded with two rounds of live ammunition, two locally made guns, eight live cartridges, multiple mobile phones, a laptop and fetish items.

He added that follow-up investigation led to the arrest of two additional suspects; Anthony Kelvin (26) and Gift Amotsuka (25) all confirmed to be members of Aiye Confraternity.

The Police spokesperson added that in a separate operation executed in Okpanam area of Delta State, police operatives arrested two suspects; Ekene Chroma (36) and Okafor Jonathan (18) in possession of two English-made single-barrel guns and 110 live cartridges.

According to the police statement, preliminary investigations revealed their involvement in illegal arms dealing, acting as suppliers and couriers for wanted criminals.

Also in Funtua, Katsina State, operatives of the Force Intelligence Department – Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) apprehended one Yunusa Ishaku (40) in possession of two stolen vehicles (a Toyota Hiace bus and a Toyota Camry).

During interrogation, the suspect confessed to his role in a nationwide vehicle theft ring targeting Abuja, Jos, and other cities, with stolen vehicles being conveyed to Niger Republic for resale.

“He further revealed the locations of three additional stolen vehicles( Honda accord, Toyota carina II, Toyota camry 98) in Zamfara and Bauchi States.

“Efforts are ongoing to apprehend his accomplices and recover more stolen exhibits.

“In another related development, acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the FID-IRT arrested one Alhaji Iya Bima, a 52-year-old man from Kem Shithem LGA, Adamawa State in possession of one AK-47 rifle, Two magazines and Fifty rounds of live 7.62×39 mm ammunition. Further interrogation led to the recovery of additional Ak-47 rifle, 3 magazines and 50 rounds of ammunition.

“All suspects would be arraigned before the court of law upon completion of investigation

“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, once again reaffirms the resolve of the Nigeria Police Force to intensify intelligence-driven policing, disrupt criminal syndicates causing unrest across the country. The Force urges members of the public to remain vigilant, support police operations, and report suspicious activities via dedicated emergency lines or to the nearest police station,” Adejobi concluded in the statement.