The Nigeria Police Force has arrested five suspected members of an armed robbery syndicate in Lagos State and recovered three locally made pistols and 300 rounds of 9mm live ammunition.
The suspects, including the alleged leader of the syndicate, were arrested by police tactical operatives following credible intelligence on their activities.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, disclosed this in the State-by-State Executive Summary of the Nigeria Police Force’s operational successes for September 11, 2026.
Five unexpended cartridges were also recovered from the suspects.
The police said the operation was part of intelligence-led efforts to dismantle criminal networks and prevent armed robbery and other violent crimes in the state.
In Jigawa State, police operatives neutralised an armed robbery suspect during a gun duel following an attack in Hadejia. Other members of the gang reportedly fled the scene with gunshot wounds.
Two Android phones, two power banks and a pair of shoes were recovered from the suspects.
In Ebonyi State, police operatives rescued Reverend Ede Sunday John Tobechukwu after he was abducted by armed men.
According to the police, operatives immediately mobilised and trailed the fleeing abductors, whose sustained pursuit forced them to abandon the victim. Reverend Tobechukwu was rescued unharmed, while his Toyota Avalon vehicle was also recovered.
In Delta State, police recovered a three-year-old girl who was allegedly stolen at birth in 2023 and arrested a couple, Mr. and Mrs. Solomon Igbiaye, in connection with the case.
In a separate operation in the state, police arrested a suspected cultist and alleged criminal shrine operator linked to firearms dealings. A pump-action gun, four dagger knives, a battle axe and substances suspected to be charms were recovered.
In Akwa Ibom State, six suspected members of an armed robbery gang were arrested following credible intelligence. Police recovered two locally made pistols, two live cartridges, three expended cartridges and six serviceable motorcycles suspected to have been stolen.
Plateau State also recorded the arrest of three suspected armed robbers and kidnappers allegedly terrorising Pankshin Local Government Area and its environs.
Recovered from the suspects were a Browning pistol, 11 rounds of 9mm ammunition, a machete and assorted charms.
In the Federal Capital Territory, coordinated raids by operatives from the Maitama, Wuse, Utako and Durumi divisions led to the arrest of 54 suspects at identified black spots and uncompleted buildings. Dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp and other illicit drugs were recovered.
In Zamfara State, five suspects were arrested during a raid on a suspected criminal hideout. Police recovered 70 bags of cement, seven bundles of 12mm iron rods and two empty drums allegedly belonging to the Ekiti State Airport.
Meanwhile, in Anambra State, police arrested two suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate allegedly linked to the abduction of two persons and the theft of a Toyota Highlander.
One of the suspects, identified as Victor Onwuka, alias Bugatti, allegedly confessed to the crime and provided information that led to the arrest of Madukaife Chidebere Kenechukwu, whom police described as a receiver of stolen phones linked to the syndicate.
The police said the various cases are being investigated by the respective State Criminal Investigation Departments.
The Force added that the operations reflect its continued efforts to disrupt criminal networks, recover illicit weapons and rescue victims of violent crimes across the country.
