The Nigeria Police Force has successfully rescued 207 abducted children across the country and thwarted multiple bandit attacks, showcasing a significant escalation in its efforts against crime.
In a major breakthrough, the Ondo State Police Command dismantled a syndicate involved in child abduction and trafficking in Akure, rescuing 14 children aged between one week and seven years.
The Force Spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, revealed this in a statement on Monday. He noted that acting on intelligence regarding a missing child, the police arrested three suspects—Abosede Olanipekun, Lukman Isiaka, and Sabira Izuorah—leading to the rescue of the children.
“The Nigeria Police Force has escalated its initiatives to combat human trafficking and the operation of illegal baby factories, successfully rescuing more than 207 abducted children from suspected traffickers nationwide,” Adejobi stated.
He added that the suspects, identified as Abosede Olanipekun (female), Lukman Isiaka (male), and Sabira Izuorah (female), were apprehended following intelligence reports concerning a missing child in Okuta Elerin-Nla, Akure.
Police Foil Bandit Attacks in Kogi and Katsina
On January 18, 2025, operatives from the Kogi State Command intercepted a group of armed bandits holding a strategic meeting in Budon forest. The police, acting swiftly, engaged the bandits in a gunfight.
“Operatives of the command were mobilised and deployed to the scene. Upon sighting the police operatives, the bandits engaged them in a fierce gun duel. Fortunately, the bandits were overpowered, with one bandit neutralised and four others arrested,” Adejobi explained.
Recovered items included one AK-47 rifle, two magazines, 30 rounds of live ammunition, and two motorcycles.
Similarly, in Katsina State, a coordinated operation with other security agencies thwarted an imminent attack on Ruwan Doruwa Village in Dutsinma Local Government Area.
“Police operatives in collaboration with other security agencies mobilised, intercepted the armed bandits, and engaged them in a fierce gun battle. This led to the neutralisation of seven bandits, while the rest fled, abandoning 109 livestock suspected to be rustled animals,” Adejobi stated.
Nationwide Anti-Crime Efforts
The latest successes underscore the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to combating crime and ensuring public safety. The public is urged to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing efforts. to be rustled animals.”
