crime

Edo Police Rescue Kidnapped Victims in Gun Duel, One Killed in Crossfire

Published

1 year ago

July 13, 2025

Edo police rescue kidnapped victims during a gun duel near Ajaokuta, killing one girl, saving 14. One female victim remains missing, says SP Yamu Joel

Edo police rescue kidnapped victims after a gun battle along Obe Hill by the pipeline leading to Ajaokuta, leaving one 12-year-old girl dead and one female still missing. The operation saved 14 hostages, according to the Edo State Police Command.

Also read: Teenager dies testing ‘Bulletproof’ charm in Edo village

Police Public Relations Officer, SP Yamu Joel, said the command received a distress call about armed men terrorising commuters on Fugar-Agenebode road in Etsako East Local Government Area. He said a combined security team, including local vigilantes and hunters, responded swiftly.

“During the encounter, a gun duel ensued along Obe Hill by pipeline leading to Ajaokuta. The security team successfully rescued 14 kidnapped passengers alive,” Joel confirmed. “Unfortunately, a 12-year-old girl was fatally shot by the fleeing kidnappers during the crossfire.”

The police noted that one female victim remains unaccounted for, and search operations are ongoing to ensure her safe return.

Earlier reports had indicated that armed men had ambushed and blocked the road, opened fire on commuters, killed two people on the spot, and abducted several others.

Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, praised the bravery and rapid response of the rescue team. He assured the public of the command’s commitment to apprehending the criminals and enhancing patrols in the area.

Also read: Bandits Return to Catholic Seminary in Edo, Kill Officer, Abduct Three Seminarians, The Sanctuary Bleeds Again

The police also extended condolences to the family of the deceased and appealed to residents to remain calm and share useful information that could aid further investigations.

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crime

Nasarawa Police Launch Forest Offensive Against Bandits

Published

2 hours ago

October 21, 2026

Peculiar Adirika

Nasarawa police operation targets kidnappers, bandits and armed robbers in forest hideouts, with tactical teams deployed across three sectors.

The Nasarawa State Police Command has launched a special security operation targeting bandits, kidnappers, armed robbers and other criminal groups operating in forests across the state.

Also read: Laide Bakare Rejects Eniola Badmus’ ‘Fake’ Apology

The Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Mohammed, flagged off the exercise in Lafia on Wednesday, October 21, before leading officers towards Alagye Forest in Doma Local Government Area.

Mohammed said the operation followed a directive from the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, aimed at strengthening security and restoring lasting peace across Nasarawa State.

He disclosed that tactical squads, anti-kidnapping units and intelligence operatives had been deployed to identified security flashpoints and forest corridors considered vulnerable to criminal activity.

According to the police commissioner, the operation is expected to continue until the end of December, with officers instructed to carry out their duties professionally and comply strictly with the rules of engagement.

To improve coordination and coverage, the command has divided the state into three operational sectors.

Sector A, covering the Lafia zone, is headed by ACP Lamidu Alkali, Squadron Commander of MOPOL 58 in Lafia. Sector B, covering the Akwanga zone, is led by ACP Kadir Umar, Squadron Commander of MOPOL 38 in Akwanga.

Sector C, which covers the Keffi zone, is under ACP Olobekga Saligo, Squadron Commander of MOPOL 69 in Toto.

The Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, DCP Sanusi Jidda, will coordinate activities across the three sectors to support the dismantling of criminal camps and improve the effectiveness of the operation.

Mohammed urged residents to assist the security agencies by providing timely and credible information about suspicious movements and activities in their communities.

He assured the public that information supplied to the police would be treated confidentially and encouraged residents to remain law-abiding while continuing their legitimate activities.

The commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property as the operation gets underway.

Also read: Laide Bakare Rejects Eniola Badmus’ ‘Fake’ Apology

The success of the Nasarawa police operation will depend on effective intelligence gathering, coordination among security teams and cooperation from local communities. The command has yet to disclose details of arrests, weapons recovered or other operational results.