Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The Nigeria Police Force has said its operatives have rescued 207 abducted children in Kogi and Katsina states.
It also said the Force had thwarted multiple bandit attacks in both states.
This was contained in a statement on Monday by the Force Spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi.
He added that the police had made significant strides in dismantling a child abduction syndicate in Akure.
The statement read: “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.”
It said the police in Kogi and Katsina States successfully foiled separate bandit attacks on January 18, 2025.
According to the statement, in Kogi, a group of armed bandits was intercepted during a strategic meeting in Budon Forest.
Upon sighting the police, the bandits engaged in a fierce gun battle but were overpowered.
“Operatives of the Command were mobilised and deployed to the scene. Upon sighting the police operatives, the bandits engaged the police in a fierce gun duel.
“Fortunately, the bandits were overpowered, with one bandit neutralised and four others arrested,” Adejobi confirmed.
The police recovered an AK-47 rifle, two magazines, 30 rounds of live ammunition, and two motorcycles.
In Katsina State, the police acted swiftly following a distress call about a possible attack on Ruwan Doruwa Village in Dutsinma Local Government Area.
“Upon receipt of this call, police operatives, in collaboration with other security agencies, mobilised, intercepted the armed bandits, and engaged them in a fierce gun battle,” Adejobi said.
The confrontation resulted in the neutralisation of seven bandits, while the remaining members of the gang fled, leaving behind 109 rustled livestock.
These operations, according to the release, highlight the Nigeria Police Force’s ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety of citizens, tackling child abduction, and combating armed banditry across the country.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in its efforts to protect the Nigerian people and bring criminals to justice,” Adejobi concluded.
