The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a series of operational successes across six states, leading to the arrest of suspected criminals, rescue of a kidnap victim, recovery of firearms and ammunition, and seizure of suspected stolen vehicles and other exhibits.
The achievements were recorded during operations conducted on October 21 and 22, 2026, according to a state-by-state operational update issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu.
In Kano State, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad arrested seven suspects at Bawaje Forest in Bebeji Local Government Area. The operation led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle with a magazine and 18 rounds of live ammunition, two motorcycles, 33 cows, 30 sheep and ₦730,500 suspected to be proceeds of kidnapping.
Police said efforts were ongoing to track down the alleged principal suspect and other members of the gang who escaped. The State Criminal Investigation Department in Bompai is investigating the case.
In Kogi State, a joint intelligence-led operation led by the Area Commander in Ajaokuta resulted in the arrest of 12 suspected cultists. The operation was conducted in line with Operation Order No. 25/2026 and targeted identified hideouts. The suspects have been transferred to the Violent Crime Response Unit in Lokoja for further investigation.
In Zamfara State, joint security operatives rescued a kidnapped victim, Labaran Bawa, unharmed in Maguru Village, Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, before reuniting him with his family.
In a separate operation at Ruwan Doruwa Village in Maru Local Government Area, security personnel engaged armed bandits in a gun battle, resulting in the death of one suspected bandit, while others reportedly fled. Efforts are continuing to rescue other abducted victims and apprehend those responsible. The State Criminal Investigation Department in Gusau is handling the investigation.
Meanwhile, in Delta State, operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Sector III, Ubuluku, arrested a 62-year-old suspect, Richard Nmorsi, during a raid on his residence in Ekuku-Agbor Community, Ika South Local Government Area.
The operation, carried out with a search warrant, led to the recovery of a locally fabricated single-barrel firearm, 24 live cartridges and substances suspected to be Indian hemp. The suspect is in police custody as investigations continue at the State Criminal Investigation Department in Asaba.
In Lagos State, police operatives dismantled a suspected vehicle theft syndicate following the arrest of a 31-year-old suspect, Abayomi Shuaibu, from whom an unregistered Toyota Camry was recovered.
Further investigation led to the arrest of another suspect, identified as Salisu Abdulazeez, at a hideout in the Satellite area. A search of the location reportedly yielded two additional vehicles suspected to have been stolen: a Toyota Corolla with registration number SMK-312-JN and an unregistered Hyundai Sonata.
The State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, is investigating the case.
In Imo State, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, working with the Divisional Police Officer in Ikeduru, arrested a 27-year-old suspect, Prosper Victor, following a distress call.
The suspect was apprehended at an uncompleted building in Obinekele Amata Community, Ikeduru Local Government Area. A search reportedly led to the recovery of a locally made revolver pistol, one round of live ammunition, a live cartridge, substances suspected to be hard drugs and charms.
According to the police, the suspect confessed to being a member of the Neo Black Movement of Africa, also known as Black Axe. The State Criminal Investigation Department in Owerri is conducting further investigations.
The Force said the operations form part of ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping, armed banditry, cultism, vehicle theft and other violent crimes across the country.
The operational update was signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.
