…Raids another hideout in Oyo, rescues 3 kidnapped relatives of Monarch

…As IGP deploys tactical squad for search and rescue of Afenifere Youth leader

By: Kingsley Omonobi

In line with ongoing efforts by the Nigeria Police Force to combat organized crime, the Force has recorded significant breakthroughs, including the recovery of illegal firearms, the arrest of suspects, and the rescue of kidnapping victims.

These successes reaffirm the commitment of the police to ensuring the safety and security of the nation’s citizens.

The Police Force Headquarters disclosed on Wednesday that its operatives stormed a kidnappers’ hideout in a notorious forest in Taraba State, arresting 20 suspects and recovering several arms, ammunition, and logistics belonging to the gang.

Additionally, police operatives, working in synergy with local vigilantes, raided a criminal hideout in Oyo State, successfully rescuing three abducted members of a royal family.

Similarly, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the deployment of tactical squads for a search and rescue mission for the abducted Afenifere Youth Leader, Prince Ojajuni, who was reportedly kidnapped while traveling to Abuja from the South-West.

ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer, stated that these efforts are part of the police’s strategy to combat various forms of organized crime, including banditry, kidnapping, and armed robbery.

“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.

“The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation, and the suspects are currently being profiled.”

Regarding the Oyo State operation, Adejobi stated: “Following a report of a kidnapping incident at Agede Village, Moniya, Ibadan, on February 25, 2025, a coordinated response by the tactical teams of the Oyo State Police Command and local security outfits resulted in the safe rescue of three abductees.

“The rescued victims are Olori Hakimat Sadia, 50 years old; Olori Rakyat, 45 years old; and Monsuru Ganiyu, 20 years old. They were abducted from the palace of Baale Tajudeen Inaolaji on February 24, 2025, by ten armed men. One of the abductors has been arrested.”

Commending the officers involved, the IGP praised their bravery and swift response in ensuring the safety of citizens.

“In the same vein, the IGP has ordered the immediate deployment of the FID-Intelligence Response Team (IRT) tactical unit to prioritize the safe rescue of Prince Eniola Ojajuni, the Afenifere Youth Leader, who was kidnapped on February 17, 2025, while en route to Abuja.

“The Nigeria Police Force is fully committed to securing his safe return and is deploying all necessary resources and expertise to achieve this objective.”

However, the police urged the public to exercise caution and avoid spreading unverified information about the rescue efforts, as misinformation could jeopardize the operation and endanger the victim.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in its mission to dismantle all criminal elements operating within our communities, with the ultimate goal of ensuring peace and security for all,” Adejobi concluded.