Police arrest three ‘terrorists’ in Imo, rescue abducted students in Edo

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) says its operatives have arrested three suspected terrorists, rescued multiple kidnapped victims, and recovered arms and ammunition in a series of coordinated operations across the country.

In a statement on Sunday, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, force public relations officer, said the operations were carried out in synergy with local vigilante forces.

“In a series of successful operations, the Nigeria Police Force has demonstrated its resolve in ensuring public safety and combating all forms of criminal activities,” Adejobi said.

“These operations, exemplified in several states across the country, have led to the arrest of 3 suspected terrorists, recovery of significant amounts of cash, arms and ammunition, and rescue of kidnapped victims.”

Adejobi said on April 17 at about 1:02am, police operatives, acting on credible intelligence, stormed a suspected IPOB/ESN hideout on Cameron Street, Ubahu, in Okigwe LGA of Imo state.

“On sighting the operatives, the suspected terrorists opened fire, resulting in a gun battle during which three suspects identified as Onyekaba Ikenna Innocent ‘m’ 21yrs, Ugwu Ikenna ‘m’ 31yrs, and Ofor Kasarachi ‘m’ 37yrs were arrested,” he said.

“Recovered from the scene were one AK-47 rifle, two pump-action guns, eighteen live cartridges, mobile devices, laptops, and N10.3 million in cash suspected to be proceeds of kidnapping for ransom.”

Adejobi added that in Edo state, the police responded to the abduction of 10 students who were en route to Babcock University for the annual GYC Africa conference on April 16.

“Police operatives of the state command immediately picked up the trail of these kidnappers, and upon encounter, engaged them in a fierce gun duel,” Adejobi said.

“One of the kidnappers was neutralized in the process, and the 10 victims were rescued unhurt.”

He also noted that on April 18, at about 9:15 pm, the command rescued two other victims who were kidnapped on April 14 from their residence in Oluoke community, Edo state.

Adejobi said Kayode Egbetokun, the inspector-general of police (IGP), lauded the operatives’ efforts, commending their professionalism and courage.

“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., has commended the dedication of these brave and gallant officers to upholding the law and exhibiting a high level of professionalism, while reaffirming the devotion of the Nigeria Police Force towards protecting the lives and property of every citizen and respect for human rights,” Adejobi said.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens and will continue to work tirelessly to combat crime in all its forms.”