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In a series of coordinated operations that spanned Katsina, Nasarawa, and Jigawa States, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has announced significant breakthroughs in the fight against kidnapping, arms trafficking, and financial fraud.

The efforts, which include the rescue of a kidnapped four-year-old girl, the arrest of a fake kidnapping gang, and the recovery of $46,100 in counterfeit U.S. currency, have drawn widespread attention and reactions from Nigerians on social media platform X.

The operations were disclosed in a press release signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Olumuyiwa Adejobi, from the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

According to the statement, the successful operations reflect the NPF’s intelligence-led and proactive approach to tackling internal security threats.

Kidnap Racket Busted in Katsina

In Katsina State, a four-month investigation into the kidnapping of two young sisters led to a shocking revelation. A complaint filed in February by Alhaji Badamasi Bala of Madaci Yan Nono Quarters sparked the probe.

While the 14-year-old older sister initially appeared to be a victim, she later resurfaced and confessed to orchestrating her own kidnapping and that of her four-year-old sibling, with help from three accomplices aged 25, 19, and 16.

All suspects were arrested, and the four-year-old girl was rescued unhurt. The revelation of a juvenile masterminding such a scheme has stunned the public and prompted renewed discussion around youth delinquency and social breakdown in the country.

Arms Trafficker Escapes in Nasarawa

Meanwhile, in Nasarawa State, operatives intercepted a suspected arms trafficker along the Giza–Kadarko Road in Keana Local Government Area. The suspect, riding an unregistered Bajaj motorcycle, abandoned his vehicle and fled into a nearby bush upon sighting the police.

A subsequent search revealed an AK-47 rifle, two magazines, and 45 rounds of live ammunition. Efforts to apprehend the fugitive continue.

Fraud Syndicate Dismantled in Jigawa

On June 13, a joint team of security operatives raided Kankare and Zurkuda villages in Birnin Kudu Local Government Area of Jigawa State.

The operation resulted in the arrest of seven suspected fraudsters and the recovery of a trove of evidence, including 46,100 fake U.S. dollars, multiple phones, POS machines, and documents linked to electronic fraud schemes.

Public Reactions: Pride, Concern, and Questions

Nigerians quickly took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice their opinions following the announcement posted by the official handle of the Nigeria Police Force (@PoliceNG). As of 8:28 AM WAT on Saturday, June 21, the thread had sparked a mix of praise, concern, and curiosity.

Commendation for the Police:
Many Nigerians applauded the NPF for its proactive steps. “Good job NPF… great bursting,” wrote @Oyeyemiyinka, while others such as @MrHorlahoflagos and @azubruka expressed gratitude and pride, commenting “God bless the Nigerian police” and “thank u Nigeria police 👮.”

Concern Over Juvenile Involvement:
The revelation that a 14-year-old girl orchestrated the kidnapping of her younger sister shocked users like @IamEriOluwa, who remarked, “14 years old sister? That’s disturbing. These kids are now really very mad.” This concern mirrors ongoing national debates about the state of youth morality, parenting, and education.

Questions About Procedure and Privacy:
Some users questioned the decision to blur the face of the 14-year-old suspect. “Why blurring her face ???” asked @sm_legit, with @ScottRoy echoing similar sentiments. These questions tap into broader issues around transparency, child rights, and perceived regional disparities in law enforcement practices.

Mixed and Skeptical Reactions:
While the majority expressed support, others were more focused on specific details or expressed disbelief. “Fake dollars,” commented @IdowuKehinde99, possibly reflecting skepticism over the scale of the fraudulent operations or shifting focus to the economic implications.

Broader Context and Cultural Sentiments

The operations cover regions—Katsina, Nasarawa, and Jigawa—that have been hotbeds of insecurity, from banditry to illicit arms movement. Reactions from residents in these areas are likely to be marked by relief and cautious optimism, while Nigerians from other regions view the success as a national gain or an opportunity to scrutinize the consistency of police performance.

Public sentiment also reflects the complex relationship Nigerians have with their police force, shaped by past experiences, especially the 2020 #EndSARS protests. While the tone of the current reactions is largely positive, sustained trust in the NPF will depend on outcomes such as successful prosecution of the suspects and institutional reform.

Moving Forward

ACP Adejobi emphasized that the operations reflect the resolve of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, to tackle insecurity through intelligence gathering and community partnership. The NPF urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with the police to secure communities nationwide.

As Nigerians await further updates on the apprehension of the fleeing arms trafficker and the prosecution of the arrested suspects, this latest round of police action may signal a turning point—both in the perception and performance of the Nigeria’s security agencies.

StreetReporters.ng

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