The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a series of operational breakthroughs across several states, including the neutralisation of suspected bandits and kidnappers, arrests of criminal suspects, rescue of abducted victims and recovery of firearms, ammunition, stolen motorcycles and illicit drugs.
According to the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the operations conducted between August 14 and 16, 2026, covered Benue, Delta, Enugu, the Federal Capital Territory, Gombe, Imo, Katsina, Kano, Nasarawa, Oyo, Ogun and Sokoto states.
In Benue State, police operatives conducting a search-and-rescue operation along Otukpo-Adoka Road came under attack in Amla Icho Forest. A gun battle followed, during which one suspected bandit was neutralised. An AK-47 rifle and three rounds of live ammunition were recovered.
In Delta State, police recovered a locally made single-barrel gun during a raid on the residence of a suspect linked to a murder in Agbarho. In another operation, 18 male suspects were arrested at a suspected criminal hideout following the murder of a resident along Ekwhere Road. Police also recovered suspected illicit drugs, including tramadol and codeine.
Another operation in Ughelli led to the recovery of a locally made cut-to-size firearm, three mobile phones, a National Identity Card, two ATM cards, a lighter and a jeans jacket after suspects fled into a bush during a police patrol.
In Enugu State, three suspected drug dealers were arrested following a raid on a suspected criminal black spot in Ogui. Police recovered 158 sachets of suspected cannabis, 136 sachets of suspected “Colos”, 136 sachets of suspected crystal methamphetamine, three cups containing suspected cannabis, an electronic scale, scissors, a wristwatch and ₦22,400 cash.
In the FCT, three suspects were arrested following police intervention at a reported fatal incident in Rockville Estate, Dawaki.
Gombe State police arrested a suspect at BCJ Quarters based on credible intelligence and recovered a locally fabricated rifle from his possession.
A major breakthrough was also recorded in Imo State, where police operatives located a kidnappers’ hideout in a forest between Amakohia Ubi and Okuku. Two suspected kidnappers were neutralised during the ensuing gunfight, while others reportedly escaped with gunshot injuries. The two abducted victims were rescued unharmed. Police recovered a locally made gun, an empty AK-47 magazine, a machete, a dagger, a mobile phone, three National Identity Cards and four ATM cards.
In Katsina State, tactical police teams repelled a bandit attack on Ilallah Village in Dandume Local Government Area, forcing the attackers to retreat into the bush with suspected gunshot injuries.
In Kano State, police arrested a suspect at the scene of a shooting during a wedding ceremony in Tudun Yola Bajallabe and recovered the firearm allegedly used in the incident.
In Nasarawa State, police arrested several suspects linked to motorcycle robbery during a raid on a suspected hideout along Ambana Road, Lafia. Two stolen Bajaj motorcycles, four number plates, two riders’ vests and a club allegedly used during the robbery were recovered.
Oyo State police arrested a suspected member of a criminal syndicate in Soka, Ibadan, recovering a locally fabricated pistol, a long single-barrel gun, nine rounds of 9mm ammunition and nine live cartridges.
In Ogun State, two suspects were arrested following information about the possession of live rifle ammunition. The first suspect reportedly led police to another suspect, with the ammunition recovered as an exhibit.
Sokoto State recorded two major operations. In the first, police tactical teams foiled an attempted bandit attack on Dankadu Village in Illela Local Government Area. Two suspected bandits were neutralised during subsequent clearance operations, while two AK-47 rifles, two magazines and 54 rounds of ammunition were recovered. No casualties were recorded among security personnel or residents.
In a separate operation in Sokoto metropolis, three suspected members of a motorcycle theft syndicate were arrested in Kwannawa and Tamaje. Five stolen motorcycles and a fabricated pistol were recovered.
The Police said all the cases are currently under investigation by the respective State Criminal Investigation Departments.
The Force reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property while urging members of the public to continue providing credible information to security agencies.
