The Nigeria Police Force has rescued 207 children from suspected trafficking and kidnapping syndicates in Kogi, Ondo and Katsina States, among others.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, revealed this in a statement on Monday
Quoting him, “On January 18th 2025, Police operatives attached to the Kogi State Command got information of a group of armed bandits holding a strategic meeting for possible attack at a forest in Budon, Kogi State. Gallant operatives of the Command were mobilized and deployed to the scene.
“Upon sighting the police operatives, the bandits engaged the police operatives in a fierce gun duel. Fortunately, the bandits were overpowered, with one bandit neutralized and 4 others arrested. The operatives also recovered 1 AK-47 rifle, 2 magazines, 30 rounds of live ammunition and 2 motorcycles.
“Similarly, on same January 18th 2025, a distress call was received at the Dutsinma Divisional Police Headquarters, Katsina State that some suspected armed bandits, armed with dangerous weapons, were headed to attack Ruwan Doruwa Village, Dutsinma LGA of the State.
“Upon receipt of this call, Police operatives in collaboration with other security agencies mobilized, intercepted the armed bandits and engaged them in a fierce gun battle ultimately leading to the neutralization of 7 of the bandits, with the rest of the gang fleeing and abandoning 109 livestock suspected to be rustled animals.
“A significant breakthrough was achieved with the arrest of a syndicate involved in child abduction and trafficking by the Ondo State Police Command, following intelligence regarding a missing child at Okuta Elerin-Nla, Akure.
“The operatives apprehended members of the syndicate, identified as Abosede Olanipekun ‘f’, Lukman Isiaka ‘m’, and Sabira Izuorah ‘f’, and rescued 14 children between the ages of 1 week – 7 years old.”