The Nigeria Police Force has rescued two abducted individuals and arrested eight suspects linked to cultism, vehicle theft, and arms trafficking in a series of coordinated operations across Edo, Delta, Katsina, and Adamawa States.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, the actions were part of ongoing efforts to weaken criminal syndicates and strengthen public safety across the country.
On June 26, 2025, two men—Godday Irieude and Wisdom Emeka—were kidnapped from their farm in Ewatto, Edo State, around 1 a.m.
Security operatives, working alongside local vigilantes, traced the abductors to their hideout.
The suspects opened fire on the approaching officers, but were forced to retreat after a gun battle, during which they reportedly sustained injuries. The victims were later freed without harm.
In a separate operation in the Mosogar area of Delta State, police personnel acting on intelligence apprehended two suspected cultists, 29-year-old Koko Josh and 27-year-old Asomugha Clinton.
During a search of their residence, authorities recovered a locally fabricated Beretta pistol with two live rounds, two other homemade guns, eight live cartridges, several mobile phones, and a laptop. Items suspected to be of fetish origin were also found.
Further investigations led to the capture of two more members of the Aiye Confraternity—Anthony Kelvin, 26, and Gift Amotsuka, 25.
Still in Delta State, operatives carried out another raid in the Okpanam area, leading to the arrest of 36-year-old Ekene Chroma and 18-year-old Okafor Jonathan.
Police recovered two single-barrel English-made guns and 110 live cartridges from them. Findings suggested they were involved in illegal arms trade and acted as couriers for other criminals.
In Funtua, Katsina State, officers attached to the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) arrested Yunusa Ishaku, 40, who was found with two stolen vehicles—a Toyota Camry and a Toyota Hiace bus.
Under questioning, he admitted to being part of a widespread car theft ring that operates across Abuja, Jos, and other cities, with stolen vehicles reportedly smuggled to Niger Republic for resale.
He also provided details that helped identify the whereabouts of three more stolen vehicles in Zamfara and Bauchi States.
Meanwhile, in Adamawa State, police arrested 52-year-old Alhaji Iya Bima of Kem Shithem Local Government Area.
Officers recovered an AK-47 rifle, two magazines, and 50 rounds of live ammunition during the operation. Additional weapons—including another AK-47, three magazines, and another 50 rounds—were recovered following further interrogation.
ACP Adejobi noted that all the suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, restated the Force’s resolve to pursue intelligence-driven strategies to combat crime and dismantle armed groups.
He also encouraged Nigerians to report suspicious activity to the nearest police station or via emergency hotlines.