The spokesperson for the Nigeria Police Force, Muyiwa Adejobi, in a statement on Sunday, said the operation was in compliance with the directive by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on the implementation of the police’s action plan for 2025.

Mr Adejobi said the police officers arrested the suspects, Samson Peter, 25, Haruna Duniya, 45, and Abdulazaq Olawole, 58, at about 7:00 p.m. on Friday.

“The suspects were arrested while trafficking 13 victims to Oyo State in an unmarked vehicle. The victims were rescued, and the investigation is still ongoing,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Mr Adejobi said the Ogun State Police Command received a report about a kidnapping incident on January 25 and conducted a covert operation on Wednesday, when they discovered a kidnappers’ den.

“Upon sighting the operatives, the gang engaged the police operatives in a gun duel,” said Mr Adejobi. “The confrontation led to the neutralisation of five of the gang members and the successful rescue of the three kidnapped victims.”

The force spokesperson said officers recovered some arms and ammunition, mobile phones, N5.2 million and vehicles of the kidnapped victims.

He quoted Mr Egbetokun as encouraging officers not to relent in achieving peace and reassuring of officers’ commitment to effectively combatting security threats.