The Nigeria Police Force on Wednesday arrested 20 suspected criminals during a raid of their hideout in Taraba State and recovered weapons and other exhibits.

The Force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, in a statement, noted that one of 10 suspected kidnappers, who abducted three people from a palace in Oyo State, on Monday, was also arrested and the victims rescued.

Mr Adejobi said, “In Taraba State, police operatives acting on credible intelligence, successfully stormed a criminal hideout in the Wamunchi dry season rice farms on February 26, 2025. The operation resulted in the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, seven rounds of live ammunition, the arrest of twenty (20) male suspects, and the recovery of one motorcycle, three Dane guns, and a bow and arrow.”

He stated that the case had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation and the suspects were currently being profiled.

He also stated that a reported abduction at Agede Village, Moniya, Ibadan, Oyo State, on February 25 2025, prompted a coordinated response by the tactical teams of the Oyo State Police Command, and local security outfits.

He said the operation, “resulted in the safe rescue of three abductees: Olori Hakimat Sadia, ‘F’ 50 yrs, Olori Rakyat ‘F’ 45 yrs, and Monsuru Ganiyu ‘M’ 20 yrs, who were all abducted from the palace of Baale Tajudeen Inaolaji on February 24 2025, by 10 armed men, and the arrest of one of the abductors.”

The statement further indicated that the Inspector- General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had ordered the deployment of the FID – Intelligence Response Team (IRT) tactical team to ensure the safe rescue and return of Afenifere Youth Leader, Eniola Ojajuni, kidnapped on February 17 2025, on his way to Abuja.

He said Mr Egbetokun said the bravery and swift action of the operatives demonstrated the commitment of the police to ensuring the safety and security of citizens.

The police therefore urged members of the public to refrain from engaging in social media speculation or sharing unverified information regarding the ongoing rescue efforts which could jeopardise the operation and potentially endanger the safety of the victim.