The Nigeria Police Force has recorded 15 operational successes across several states in the country within 48 hours, leading to the rescue of kidnapped victims, arrests of suspected criminals, recovery of firearms and the disruption of criminal activities.
The operations, which involved police tactical teams and other security agencies, were carried out in Enugu, Kebbi, Taraba, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Lagos, Delta, Benue, Nasarawa, Katsina, Zamfara, Ebonyi and Kano states.
In Enugu State, police rescued a 13-year-old girl, identified as Blessing Ezi, who was allegedly abducted and held captive for four days in Ugbowa Community, Enugu East Local Government Area.
The victim was reportedly subjected to sexual abuse and administered illicit substances during her captivity.
Police operatives arrested a 21-year-old suspect, Okechukwu Micheal, at his residence on November 4, 2026, and rescued the girl unhurt. She was subsequently taken to the Police Clinic in Enugu for medical examination and treatment, while the suspect was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for investigation.
In Kebbi State, operatives of the Police Mobile Force repelled an attack by suspected Lakurawa terrorists on their tactical position at Tugga Bridge in Bagudo Local Government Area.
The attackers, who arrived on motorcycles at about 1am on November 4, were forced to retreat into the Soda Forest enclave following a gun battle with the police team. Security operatives have since intensified patrols and clearance operations in the area.
Similarly, in Taraba State, a joint security team comprising police operatives, Nigerian Army personnel and local hunters rescued five of 10 people abducted during an attack on Kuka-Labbare Village in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area.
The attackers, suspected to be members of Kadago's bandit group, invaded the community around 12:30am on November 4. The security team engaged them in a gun battle, securing the release of five victims, while efforts continued to rescue the remaining abductees.
In Akwa Ibom State, police arrested seven suspects in connection with a murder and an arson attack in Ukana Mbak Ukot.
The incident followed the fatal stabbing of one Ukeme Jonah Akpan during an altercation on November 3. A 42-year-old suspect, Ifiok Akpan Stephen, was arrested over the killing.
Six other suspects were subsequently apprehended for allegedly setting fire to the residence and vehicle of the village head following the incident. All seven suspects are in police custody.
In Anambra State, operatives rearrested a serving lawmaker, Hon. Bernard Udemezue, representing Ayamelum Constituency, after he allegedly fled the courtroom during proceedings at the Special Court on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in Amawbia.
The defendant, who is facing charges bordering on rape, assault and violent intimidation, was apprehended near St. Paul's Anglican Church, Amawbia, following a police pursuit.
The court subsequently denied him bail and ordered his remand at a correctional facility, while security was strengthened around the court premises.
In Lagos State, police arrested three suspected armed robbers during a stop-and-search operation at Supa Bus Stop, Ile-Epo, along the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway.
The suspects were intercepted at about 12:48am on November 4 while travelling in a commercial minibus. A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of a locally fabricated rubber pistol. They remain in custody for interrogation and further investigation.
The Lagos Police Command also uncovered an indoor cannabis cultivation facility in a residential building in Apapa following intelligence received on November 2.
Two suspects, identified as Thomas Razvickas, 49, a Polish national, and James Chisome, 36, a Nigerian, were arrested at the premises. Police said investigations into the discovery were ongoing.
In Delta State, two suspected cultists were arrested during separate operations, with three firearms and ammunition recovered.
In the first operation, a patrol team intercepted a man carrying a double-barrelled firearm along the Agbarho-Warri Expressway on November 4. A search of the premises he was guarding led to the recovery of two locally fabricated guns and 10 spent cartridges.
The suspect subsequently led operatives to his employer's residence, where a pump-action gun and a live cartridge were recovered, resulting in another arrest.
Both suspects, who claimed to belong to a hunters' security group, are being investigated.
The Delta Police Command also arrested a 27-year-old suspect, Infione Solomon Omefe, over the killing of a man identified as Ikediashi, following the circulation of a video showing the victim's murder with a machete.
The suspect, who was arrested through intelligence-led operations, reportedly confessed to participating in the killing. Police said efforts were ongoing to apprehend other members of the alleged criminal group.
In Benue State, nine suspects were arrested over the burning of a traditional council hall in Tyem-Imongu Community, Vandeikya Local Government Area.
The incident occurred on November 4 when youths from Mbayongo Council Ward allegedly attacked the facility and set it ablaze. Police operatives who responded to the incident arrested nine suspects following preliminary investigations. Some damaged chairs were also recovered as exhibits.
Meanwhile, police in Nasarawa State arrested seven suspected political thugs who allegedly disrupted activities at an All Progressives Congress presidential campaign rally held at Lafia Square.
The suspects were arrested at about 2:20pm on November 4 after surveillance operatives moved in to restore order. Their case has been transferred to the SCID in Lafia, while investigations are being conducted to identify their alleged sponsors.
In Katsina State, a joint security team comprising the Voluntary Community Redemption Unit and military tactical personnel repelled an attack by heavily armed bandits on Dansamari Village.
The attackers, who arrived on motorcycles and opened fire indiscriminately around 8pm on November 3, were engaged in a prolonged gun battle and forced to retreat into the forest.
Normalcy was subsequently restored in the community, while security operatives continued cordon-and-search operations to track down the fleeing suspects.
In Zamfara State, police recovered an AK-47 rifle allegedly stolen by bandits during an attack on police personnel along the Sokoto-Gusau Road on November 1.
The recovery followed sustained search operations led by the Commissioner of Police and a specialised tactical team. Police said four firearms had been taken away during the attack, which claimed the lives of some officers, while efforts were ongoing to recover the remaining weapons and apprehend those responsible.
In Ebonyi State, two suspected cultists, Chikwado Nwankwo, 25, and Lazarus Emeka, 27, were arrested during a routine patrol at Agbaja Unuhu in Abakaliki Local Government Area on November 5.
Police said two locally fabricated short double-barrelled pistols were recovered from the suspects, who were taken into custody for investigation.
Similarly, police operatives in Kano State arrested a 25-year-old suspected gang leader, Umar Usman, popularly known as Ta'ambo, during an intelligence-led patrol on November 3.
The suspect, described by the police as a wanted thug operating around Rimin Kebe and its environs, was allegedly linked to thuggery, grievous bodily harm and breaches of public peace. Police said efforts were ongoing to apprehend other members of the suspected gang.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, who announced the operational developments, said the cases were being handled by the respective State Criminal Investigation Departments and other designated police units.
The police reiterated their commitment to combating violent crimes, strengthening public safety and protecting lives and property across the country.
