The Nigeria Police Force says its operatives have rescued kidnapped victims, arrested dozens of suspected criminals and recovered firearms, ammunition and illicit drugs in a series of intelligence led operations across several states.
The operations, conducted between August 4 and September 4, 2026, targeted suspected kidnappers, armed robbers, cultists and other criminal elements in Anambra, Delta, Katsina, Rivers, Nasarawa, Borno, Ogun, Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom states.
In Katsina State, police tactical teams foiled a kidnapping operation at Kasuwar Mata Junction in Funtua Local Government Area after armed bandits invaded the area and abducted several residents.
The intervention forced the attackers to retreat into the bush. Subsequent clearance and cordon operations led to the rescue of five victims, all of whom were recovered unharmed.
A similar operation was recorded in Rivers State, where police operatives rescued a woman abducted from her shop along Alode Farm Road in Eleme LGA. The victim was reportedly abandoned by her kidnappers after police engaged them in a gun duel.
Two locally made pistols and a round of live ammunition were recovered from an operational tricycle allegedly abandoned by the fleeing kidnappers.
In Nasarawa State, police arrested 11 suspected armed robbers, including two minors, following a pursuit after the suspects allegedly invaded Glory Guest House in Masaka, Karu LGA.
Items recovered included a locally made revolver, six cutlasses, knives, eight SIM cards, scissors, suspected counterfeit foreign currencies and other valuables.
Police also rescued a kidnapped victim, identified as Favour Innocent, from Nunku Forest in Akwanga LGA. The operation, carried out jointly with local hunters and community youths, resulted in the victim’s recovery.
In Anambra State, five suspects were arrested over the alleged murder of Isaac Nwosu and three others in Awka, Awka South LGA.
One of the suspects, Chukwuma Oputa, reportedly confessed to participating in an armed robbery during which a victim was shot dead inside a Bet9ja shop before Nwosu was subsequently killed.
A pump action rifle was recovered from the principal suspect, while information obtained during interrogation led to the arrest of four alleged accomplices. The State Criminal Investigation Department, Awka, is handling the investigation.
In Delta State, police arrested eight suspects during an intelligence led operation linked to the attempted murder of Ikolomi Ewoma. A raid on a suspected criminal hideout at Nut Junction, Abraka, in Ethiope East LGA, yielded three locally made pistols, quantities of Tramadol and other substances suspected to be illicit drugs.
The Delta Police Command also arrested a 31-year-old serving NYSC member, Godstime Onyenechara, over the alleged sexual abuse of a six-year-old girl in Ekpan, Uvwie LGA. Police said a medical examination at a government hospital reportedly confirmed penetration.
In Borno State, police arrested Babagana Mustapha over the fatal shooting of Ali Gambo in Jere LGA. Although the victim was taken for medical treatment, he was later pronounced dead. A pump action firearm allegedly used in the incident was recovered.
In Ogun State, police arrested 20 year old Tafa Toheeb over the alleged sexual assault of a seven year old girl in Sango-Ota. Another suspect, 47 year old Njoku Elijah, was arrested over an alleged attempted rape and indecent assault involving a female doctor at Babcock University Teaching Hospital, Ilisan-Remo.
In Bayelsa State, two suspected cultists were arrested during a stop and search operation at Yenegwe Community, Yenagoa LGA. Police said a locally fabricated revolver pistol loaded with three rounds of 9mm ammunition was recovered from one of the suspects.
Meanwhile, four suspects were arrested in Akwa Ibom State during intelligence led raids on suspected criminal hideouts at Ikot Abasi Idem and Ifa Atai villages in Uyo LGA. Large quantities of substances suspected to be Indian hemp and other illicit drugs were recovered.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, said the operations demonstrated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to intelligence led policing, crime prevention and the protection of lives and property.
Investigations into the various cases are ongoing at the respective State Criminal Investigation Departments.
