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Report has it that about five suspected kidnappers have been nabbed by police officers in Ekiti state. The five suspects were arrested by the Ekiti State Police Command near the Iju Ikere boundary area for their involvement in kidnapping activities.
The apprehension was part of a joint operation involving the police, NSCDC, Amotekun, and local hunters that took place today, Tuesday was aimed at eliminating criminal elements, particularly kidnappers, from the state.
The suspects, identified as Usman Jelili, Mohammed Bande, Abubakar Aliu, Isah Abdulahi, and Suleiman Abdulahi, were taken into custody during a thorough bush combing operation in the Oke-Osun area of the state and the dense woodland along the Iju-Ikere boundary.
According to the statement released by the State Police Public Relations Officer, Abutu Sunday, the suspects were found in possession of incriminating items, including four phones, one cutlass, one jack dagger, and two motorcycles. During the operation, it was revealed that the arrested individuals claimed to be herdsmen; however, further investigation indicated that none of them had any cattle in their possession at the time of arrest.
The police, in collaboration with other security agencies and local volunteers, remain committed to rooting out criminal activities in Ekiti State. The successful operation serves as a testament to the concerted efforts to enhance security and protect the lives and property of the residents.
It is noteworthy that the period between December 1, 2023, and January 3, 2024, witnessed a surge in kidnappings across Nigeria, totaling over 380 reported cases under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
The affected states during this alarming timeframe include Anambra, Benue, Cross River, Delta, Enugu, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kaduna, Katsina, Kogi, Lagos, Nasarawa, Ogun, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Zamfara, and now, Ekiti State.
