The operatives of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have raided a kidnappers’ camp and neutralised many in the Mpape area of Abuja.

The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, who made this known via a statement on Saturday, said the camp was raided at about 2:40 a.m. on Friday, February 9, following an intelligence report.

Adejobi said the successful operation, which led to the killing of many notorious kidnappers, including a kingpin, was conducted around Mpape area.

The police spokesperson added that the raid was carried out by the operatives of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT).

He said: “The team also destroyed the camps of the dreaded kidnappers who have been thorns in the flesh of Abuja residents in recent times.

“The armed bandits engaged the police operatives in a gun battle that lasted for about 30 minutes, which left many of the bandits fatally injured, while one of the police operatives sustained bullet wounds.

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“This significant achievement followed the neutralising of another kingpin of the syndicate on February 8, who served as a lead to their hideout.”

Adejobi noted that the recently neutralised kingpin was the mastermind of numerous kidnappings for ransom plaguing areas including Mpape and Bwari in Abuja, Kagarko in Kaduna, and Nukun village in Nasarawa State.

He said the successful raid on their hideout, situated in the outskirts of Mpape Hills, was conducted through a surprise assault, resulting in the elimination of the notorious criminals.

Adejobi listed items recovered from the hideout to include mobile phones, SIM cards, charms, and hard drugs, “which were crucial pieces of evidence aiding ongoing investigations”.

The police spokesman added that efforts were being intensified to recover additional arms and ammunition, as well as other equipment being used by the criminals for their nefarious operations.

Adejobi said the NPF would remain resolute in its commitment to combating crime and ensuring the safety and security of Nigerians.

He said the force would continue to employ proactive measures to dismantle criminal networks and bring perpetrators of heinous crimes to justice against all odds.

The Star