Police Rescue Abducted Royal Family Members, Arrest 20 Suspects in Major Operations
In a series of impactful operations aimed at curbing organized crime across Nigeria, the Nigeria Police Force has recorded significant successes, including the recovery of illegal firearms, the rescue of kidnapped victims, and the arrest of numerous suspects.
On Wednesday, the Police Force Headquarters highlighted these victories, reaffirming the police’s commitment to ensuring public safety and national security.
In one major operation, police operatives stormed a kidnappers’ hideout in a notorious forest in Taraba State, arresting 20 suspects and recovering several arms and ammunition. The gang’s firearms and other logistical items were seized during the operation.
The police also worked alongside local vigilantes to raid a criminal hideout in Oyo State, where they successfully rescued three members of a royal family who had been abducted. The victims, kidnapped by armed men on February 24, 2025, were freed during the operation on February 25, 2025.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the deployment of specialized tactical squads for a search-and-rescue mission aimed at locating and bringing home the abducted Afenifere Youth Leader, Prince Ojajuni. The prince was reportedly kidnapped on February 17, 2025, while traveling to Abuja from the South-West region.
According to ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer, these operations are part of the police’s broader strategy to tackle various forms of organized crime such as banditry, kidnapping, and armed robbery.
In Taraba State, the operation took place in the Wamunchi dry season rice farms on February 26, 2025, after the police received credible intelligence about a criminal hideout. During the raid, officers recovered an AK-47 rifle, seven rounds of live ammunition, three Dane guns, a bow and arrow, and a motorcycle. The 20 male suspects arrested have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation and profiling.
In Oyo State, following a kidnapping at Agede Village, Moniya, Ibadan, the police responded swiftly and, in coordination with local security outfits, rescued three abductees. The victims—Olori Hakimat Sadia (50), Olori Rakyat (45), and Monsuru Ganiyu (20)—had been taken from the palace of Baale Tajudeen Inaolaji by ten armed men. One of the abductors was arrested during the operation.
The IGP commended the officers involved for their quick and effective response in ensuring the safety of the victims and restoring order.
As part of ongoing efforts to address the kidnapping of Prince Ojajuni, the IGP has mobilized the FID-Intelligence Response Team (IRT) to ensure the safe return of the Afenifere Youth Leader. The Nigeria Police Force remains fully committed to securing his release and is deploying all necessary resources for the operation.
The police also urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information about the ongoing rescue efforts, as misinformation could hinder the operation and put the victim at greater risk.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in its mission to dismantle criminal elements and create a peaceful and secure environment for all Nigerians,” ACP Adejobi concluded.
