By Dwelleth Morountodun
In continuation of the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force to speedily bring to an end the current internal security challenges being experienced in some parts
of the country, the acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Mohammed Adamu, on Monday rolled out new counter-kidnapping operational strategies.
The new strategies, Mr. Frank Mba, a DCP and Spokesperson for the Force Headquarters in a statement, said are purposeful and intelligence-driven are targeted at identifying, locating and dismantling kidnapping gangs across the nation and bringing the kidnappers and their collaborators to justice. It is designed to complement and strengthen the ‘Operation Puff Adder’ currently going on in several States of the country.
The operation Mbah said will involve the deployment of undercover operatives, decoy operations and high-level tactical missions with active participation of operatives drawn from the conventional Police Units, the Force Intelligence Unit, the Special Anti-Robbery Squads (SARS), the Special Anti-kidnapping Squads and the Police Tactical Units comprising the Police Mobile Force (PMF), the Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU) and the Special Forces.
Meanwhile, Police operatives from ‘Operation Puff Adder’ have rescued unhurt 27 kidnap victims including 5 Chinese nationals.
The Chinese citizens who were earlier kidnapped on 15th April, in Bobi, Niger State were safely and successfully rescued on 5th of May, 2019 from a forest in Birnin Gwari, Kaduna State, following painstaking investigative efforts, including both air and ground surveillance. Two (2) of the kidnappers died from injuries sustained during exchange of gun fire with the Police in the course of the rescue mission. 22 other kidnap victims were rescued in Zamfara State and other parts of the country.
In addition, between January 2019 and the 1st week of May, 2019, a total of 270 suspected kidnappers were arrested, 275 suspected armed robbers were arrested and 105 assorted weapons plus a large cache of ammunition recovered.
The IGP, while commending the general public for their understanding and supports so far, reassures the Nation that the end to violent crimes and other sundry criminal activities is in sight. He promises that the Force under his leadership will continue to work with other relevant stakeholders in the task of making Nigeria safer and better.