By John Moses
Police in Nigeria’s Adamawa State have announced the successful rescue of four kidnap victims and 13 trafficked children following a wave of coordinated security operations across the state.
Commissioner of Police, CP Dankombo Falings, made the disclosure during a press briefing in Yola on Monday, stating that the operations formed part of efforts to tackle crime and enhance public safety in the second quarter of 2025.
According to CP Falings, a total of 567 suspects were apprehended during the period under review for offences including kidnapping, armed robbery, child trafficking, culpable homicide, rape, and gang-related violence.
“These achievements stemmed from the synergy between our anti-kidnapping and crack squads, intelligence units, area commands and divisional police offices,” Falings said.
He revealed that the 13 children, believed to have been trafficked and sold in Anambra State, were rescued in a major sting led by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Shuaibu Wara, following a credible intelligence tip-off. Two female suspects from Nnewi, Anambra, have been arrested in connection with the case.
“The rescued minors will be reunited with their families after ongoing investigations,” he added.
Among other high-profile arrests was that of a suspected drug dealer, who allegedly murdered a man over a dispute involving ₦50,000 from the sale of Indian hemp.
Additionally, seven suspected members of the Shilla gang, a notorious group linked with house-to-house robberies and violent assaults, are now in police custody.
Recovered items from the operations include six AK-47 rifles, three pump-action guns, 11 locally-made rifles, live ammunition, three stolen vehicles, five tricycles, four motorcycles, gas cylinders, computers, charms, and mobile phones.
CP Falings expressed gratitude to Governor Ahmadu Fintiri for his sustained support of the security services, and to the public for providing actionable intelligence.
“We remain resolute in our duty to safeguard lives and property,” he said. “We call on residents to stay alert and continue collaborating with security agencies, as public safety is a shared responsibility.”
