Police operatives attached to the Kaduna State Command have apprehended three persons while they were trafficking 13 kidnap victims to Oyo State in an unmarked vehicle.

In a statement on Sunday, Force Spokesperson, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the incident occurred at about 7 p.m. on January 31, 2025.

Adejobi identified the suspects as Samson Peter (25 years old), Haruna Duniya (45 years old), and Abdulazaq Olawole (58 years old).

He said the victims were rescued by the operatives, adding that the police were still carrying out investigations on the case.

Adejobi also revealed that on January 29, 2025, police operatives of the Ogun State Command carried out a covert operation and located the den of kidnappers responsible for an earlier reported abduction on January 25, 2025.

He said, “Upon sighting the operatives, the gang engaged the police operatives in a gun duel. The confrontation led to the neutralization of five of the gang members and the successful rescue of the three kidnapped victims, with the recovery of some arms and ammunition of various calibres, three mobile phones, and the cash sum of N5.2 million. Also recovered were the vehicles of the kidnapped victims.”

Adejobi said the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, commended the operatives for their exhibition of gallantry, dedication to duty, and patriotism.

He said the IGP further encouraged all police officers to remain relentless toward the goal of achieving peace and reassured members of the public that the force remains committed to effectively combating all security threats.