Police rescue five kidnap victims in Lagos, Katsina

The Nigeria Police Force has successfully rescued five kidnapped individuals in separate operations conducted in Lagos and Katsina States, as part of its ongoing efforts to combat crime nationwide.

Officers also recovered firearms and ammunition during an operation in Kogi State.

According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, the Lagos State Command responded to intelligence concerning the abduction of a 20-year-old man, Kehinde, in the Ikoga area of Morogbo.

The victim was reportedly enticed via WhatsApp before being kidnapped, with the suspects demanding N500,000 in ransom.

The police action led to the arrest of three persons identified as Celestine Okeke, Michael Okonkwo, and Kehinde Oladun. The victim was rescued unharmed and has since been reunited with his family.

In another development in Katsina State, police personnel acted on information regarding an attempted abduction in Mazare village. The officers engaged the kidnappers in a shootout, which forced the suspects to flee with injuries. Four kidnapped victims were rescued without harm during the operation.

Further efforts by law enforcement in Kogi State led to the interception of a suspicious vehicle. On June 22, 2025, operatives from the Okene Division halted a Nissan car en route to Auchi. The driver abandoned the vehicle and escaped into nearby woods.

Upon inspection of the vehicle and its contents, authorities recovered an AK-47 rifle, 28 rounds of 5.6mm ammunition, a G3 magazine, a black shirt, mobile phone accessories, and additional personal items. An investigation is underway to track down the fleeing suspect.

Commenting on the operations, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, commended the officers involved for their swift response and professionalism.

He said, “The Nigeria Police Force reaffirms its continued commitment to intelligence-driven policing, swift operational responses, and inter-agency collaboration and remains steadfast in its mission to protect lives and property across the nation.”