The Nigeria Police Force has reported major operational successes across 10 states between August 29 and September 1, 2026, including the rescue of 21 abducted victims, recovery of firearms and ammunition, arrests of suspected armed robbers and a wanted murder suspect. The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, disclosed……
The Nigeria Police Force has reported major operational successes across 10 states between August 29 and September 1, 2026, including the rescue of 21 abducted victims, recovery of firearms and ammunition, arrests of suspected armed robbers and a wanted murder suspect.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday, September 2, outlining the Nigeria Police Force’s top 10 major operational achievements recorded across the country.
In Kogi State, joint security forces rescued 21 abducted victims, including 14 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, after engaging their abductors in a gun battle on August 31.
According to the police, the security forces’ intervention forced the kidnappers to flee, allowing all 21 victims to regain their freedom. The State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Lokoja is investigating the incident.
In Zamfara State, security forces also foiled a bandit attack and rescued all victims abducted after armed men intercepted a passenger truck on August 30.
The police said the bandits set the vehicle ablaze before abducting its occupants but were forced to flee after security forces engaged them with superior firepower. All the abducted victims were subsequently rescued unhurt, while the SCID in Gusau commenced investigation.
In Kaduna State, police operatives recovered nine locally made revolver guns and 75 rounds of live cartridges while searching an accidented vehicle on August 29.
The recovered firearms and ammunition were transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit for further investigation, with the SCID Kaduna handling the case.
Niger State also recorded a successful rescue operation on September 1 after police tactical operatives and local vigilantes engaged armed bandits along the Mongoro–Wamba Road.
The police said the bandits retreated during the encounter and abandoned two abducted victims, who were rescued unhurt. The SCID in Minna is investigating the incident.
In Benue State, police operatives acting on credible intelligence arrested a suspected gun runner on August 31.
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The operation led to the recovery of two locally fabricated pistols and one locally fabricated Type 06 rifle, alongside live ammunition. The SCID in Makurdi is investigating the case.
In Oyo State, security personnel rescued an abducted victim on September 1 following a search operation launched after the abduction.
The police said sustained operational pressure and an exchange of gunfire forced the kidnappers to abandon their victim, who was rescued unhurt and reunited with family members. The SCID Ibadan is handling the investigation.
In Katsina State, security operatives foiled an attempted banditry operation on August 31 and disrupted an effort by armed bandits to rustle cattle.
The police said the operatives intercepted and engaged the bandits, overpowering them and forcing them to flee. Subsequent operations were conducted to flush the suspects out of the area.
In Kano State, police operatives engaged kidnappers following the abduction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairman of Rogo Local Government Area on September 1.
According to the police, the kidnappers engaged the operatives in a gun battle before fleeing with suspected gunshot wounds. Three motorcycles abandoned by the fleeing suspects were recovered, while the SCID Kano continues its investigation.
Ekiti State police also arrested two suspected armed robbers during a patrol in Ado-Ekiti on September 1.
The operatives recovered one locally made pistol, two live cartridges and four mobile phones suspected to have been stolen. The suspects and exhibits were taken up by the SCID in Ado-Ekiti for investigation.
In Nasarawa State, police operatives, working with local vigilantes and acting on credible intelligence, tracked and arrested a wanted suspect linked to a culpable homicide case dating back to May 2026.
The suspect remains in custody and is expected to face further investigation and prosecution, according to the police.
The Force said the operations formed part of its ongoing efforts to tackle kidnapping, banditry, armed robbery, illegal firearms trafficking and other violent crimes across the country.
The police urged members of the public to continue providing credible information to security agencies to support efforts to prevent and respond to criminal activities.
“Attacks on aid workers and humanitarian operations are unacceptable and must stop,” the force said.
