The Nigeria Police Force has reported a series of successful operations across 11 states, resulting in the arrest of suspected criminals, rescue of kidnapped victims and recovery of firearms, ammunition and other items linked to criminal activities.
The operations, conducted between September 12 and 15, 2026, involved police personnel working alongside other security agencies as part of intensified efforts to tackle kidnapping, armed robbery, banditry and other violent crimes.
In Kebbi State, security operatives carried out a clearance operation in Gumki Village, Arewa Local Government Area, where one suspected terrorist was neutralised. Police said a PKT rifle loaded with 174 rounds of ammunition, an AK-47 rifle with 14 rounds, four motorcycles, mobile phones and other exhibits were recovered.
Two women abducted from Sha’Iskawa Fulani Village in Kankia Local Government Area of Katsina State were also rescued after police engaged armed bandits in a gun battle. The victims were recovered unharmed after the attackers fled into the surrounding bush.
Meanwhile, three suspected members of an armed robbery gang were arrested in Ogun State over alleged attacks in Agbado and neighbouring communities. Police said three expanded cartridges were recovered from the suspects.
In Akwa Ibom, six suspected members of an armed robbery syndicate operating across Ikono, Ini and Obot Akara Local Government Areas were apprehended. The operation also led to the recovery of two locally made single-barrel guns, a motorcycle, three laptops and other exhibits.
Police operatives in Sokoto State also arrested an alleged bandit informant in Wamakko Local Government Area. Authorities said ₦900,000, allegedly collected as a levy imposed on a community, was recovered from the suspect.
Seven suspects were equally arrested during a raid on a criminal hideout in Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State. Police said the operation produced a locally fabricated firearm, live ammunition, illicit drugs, a battle axe, mobile phones and a laptop.
In Ekiti State, officers intercepted a suspected kidnapper and fraudster during a night operation along the Ekiti State University/Osekita Road. A Toyota Venza valued at about ₦10.5 million, 255 SIM cards, four mobile phones, an international passport and tramadol were among the items recovered.
A manhunt in Rivers State also led to the arrest of a fleeing suspect in Bonny, with police recovering an English-made Beretta pistol allegedly abandoned by him.
In Kaduna State, a kidnapped victim was rescued around Arabu Forest in Makarfi Local Government Area. The police said the victim was medically assessed before being reunited with family members.
Security operatives in Kogi State also arrested a suspected kidnapper following an attack on a vehicle along the Okene/Ogori-Magongo-Lagos Highway. The suspect was apprehended during a follow-up operation in a nearby forest area.
In Jigawa State, police arrested a suspect over the alleged rape of an eight-year-old girl in Ringim Local Government Area. The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Dutse for further investigation.
The police also reported the arrest of 10 suspects during separate raids on criminal hideouts in Aniocha North and Oshimili North Local Government Areas of Delta State. Two locally made firearms, illicit drugs, cannabis-related items and other exhibits were recovered.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, said the operations formed part of ongoing intelligence-led efforts to disrupt criminal networks and improve security across the country.
The various cases have been handed over to the relevant State Criminal Investigation Departments, while police authorities said efforts were continuing to locate and arrest other suspects connected to the crimes.
