ABUJA, Nigeria (CHATNEWSTV) — The Nigeria Police Force has intensified its fight against organized crime, successfully rescuing kidnapped victims in Bayelsa and Adamawa states without ransom payments, authorities said Monday.
In Bayelsa, police operatives responded to a distress call on March 7 regarding the abduction of Mr. Loveday Akari, a special assistant to the managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), in Ayakoro Community, Ogbia Local Government Area. A swift operation led to his rescue alongside another unidentified victim, police spokesperson ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said in a statement.
“The operation was carefully executed with sustained pressure on the kidnappers, forcing them to release the victims unharmed,” Adejobi said, adding that security forces restricted the suspects’ movement to prevent their escape.
In Adamawa, two Catholic priests—Reverend Fathers Abraham Samman and Matthew David Dusami—who were kidnapped on February 21, were rescued in a March 8 operation. Authorities arrested a suspect, 34-year-old Tahamado Jonathan Demian, believed to be a member of the same church as the victims.
Police recovered a locally fabricated assault rifle, ammunition, a mobile phone, and SIM cards during the operation. Efforts to track down other members of the kidnapping gang are ongoing, Adejobi added.
Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun praised the officers involved for their “bravery, dedication, and professionalism,” emphasizing that the force remains committed to dismantling criminal networks.
“The Nigeria Police Force will continue to deploy intelligence-led strategies to combat kidnapping and organized crime across the country,” the IGP said.
Authorities urged citizens to provide timely information to aid law enforcement in preventing crime and bringing perpetrators to justice.
