The Nigeria Police Force has reported a series of operational successes across 15 incidents in several states, including the rescue of kidnapped victims, neutralisation of suspected bandits, arrests of alleged criminals and recovery of firearms, ammunition, suspected illicit drugs and other exhibits. In a statement issued by the Force Public……
The Nigeria Police Force has reported a series of operational successes across 15 incidents in several states, including the rescue of kidnapped victims, neutralisation of suspected bandits, arrests of alleged criminals and recovery of firearms, ammunition, suspected illicit drugs and other exhibits.
In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, on behalf of the Force Headquarters, Abuja, the police said the operations were carried out between August 27 and 31, 2026, across states including Ogun, Sokoto, Kano, Abia, Lagos, Katsina, Taraba, Oyo, Delta, Plateau, Akwa Ibom, Kaduna and Enugu.
In Ogun State, police operatives rescued Usman Umar, who had been kidnapped, unhurt on August 29 after combing the surrounding forest. The operatives subsequently raided the kidnappers’ hideout, engaging the suspects in a gun duel that resulted in two suspected kidnappers being neutralised, while others escaped with gunshot wounds. Two AK-47 rifles, 25 rounds of 5.6mm ammunition and two mobile phones were recovered.
Also on August 29, police tactical teams, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Vigilance and Community Rescue Unit (VCRU) and military personnel foiled a suspected bandit attack in Sokoto State. The security teams intercepted armed suspects moving towards Maikujera Village and engaged them in a prolonged gun battle. Three suspected bandits were neutralised during subsequent bush-combing operations, while others fled with casualties. One AK-47 rifle and 22 rounds of live ammunition were recovered, with no casualties recorded among security personnel or villagers.
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In Kano State, police tactical teams rescued Alhaji Yusif Nadabo after suspected bandits abandoned him while fleeing from security operatives following an attack in Garun Mallam Town. Three other victims who sustained gunshot injuries were evacuated to hospital but were later confirmed dead.
In Abia State, police operatives acting on intelligence raided Okohia Forest in Ukwa West Local Government Area, where suspected armed hoodlums were reportedly attempting to establish a camp. The suspects fled on sighting the police team, while a search of the area led to the recovery of one locally made pistol, 40 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, two rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, four empty magazines, military camouflage uniforms, substances suspected to be Indian hemp and other exhibits.
In Lagos State, tactical operatives arrested three suspected members of an alleged armed robbery and carjacking syndicate on August 29 following intelligence-led tracking. Police said two locally made pistols loaded with five cartridges and a locally made revolver pistol containing three rounds of 9mm ammunition were recovered. Efforts are ongoing to arrest other members of the alleged syndicate.
Police in Katsina State also foiled a suspected cattle-rustling operation at Tafoki Village on August 30 after tactical personnel engaged suspected rustlers in a gun duel. The suspected bandits were overpowered and five rustled cows recovered, while injured victims were rescued and taken to Funtua General Hospital for treatment.
In Taraba State, police personnel from 67 PMF Takum and Highway Patrol, alongside a team led by the Divisional Police Officer, rescued 55-year-old Alidoo Cecilia Ityo and her young granddaughter after they were abandoned by kidnappers. A red Toyota Corolla, with registration number JMT-680-XA, allegedly abandoned by the kidnappers, was also recovered.
Oyo State recorded two separate anti-kidnapping operations. On August 27, security teams arrested four suspected kidnappers, including 21-year-old Amadu Soliu, following the abduction of nine-year-old Shittu Ridwan. Four expended cartridges were recovered, while search operations continue for the missing child and other suspects.
On August 29, police also arrested 27-year-old Ali Betau along Igbope/Igbeti Road during Operation Velvet. According to the police, phone records linked him to a wanted kidnapper, while four ATM cards were recovered from him. A kidnapping victim subsequently positively identified Betau as one of the participants in her abduction.
In another Ogun State operation, police arrested Biola Adeokola in connection with the alleged culpable homicide of Adeyemi Adegoke at Arigbajo. Detectives deployed to the scene following the fatal attack and commenced investigations, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other suspected accomplices.
In Delta State, police arrested 33-year-old Ossai Price during a patrol along Mariam Babangida Way, Asaba. The suspect was allegedly dressed in a Special Forces uniform and was found with a locally fabricated pump-action firearm resembling an AK-47 rifle. The weapon was loaded with four live cartridges, which were recovered.
Plateau State police also reported the rescue of Pastor Dipat Gabriel Joseph, who was kidnapped in Bokkos. A combined team comprising PMF personnel, VCRU operatives and local hunters rescued him unhurt, while efforts are continuing to apprehend those responsible.
In Akwa Ibom State, police operatives raided a suspected criminal hideout at Ikot Edong Village, Uyo Local Government Area, following credible intelligence. Two suspected drug dealers, Moses Dominic Okon and Kufre Essien Okon, were arrested, while a large quantity of substances suspected to be Indian hemp was recovered.
In Kaduna State, police operatives, PMF personnel and KADVIS members responded to reports of armed bandits disturbing farmers on August 31. The suspects fled into the bush after sighting the security team, abandoning one pump-action rifle, two cartridges and a motorcycle.
Meanwhile, in Enugu State, a joint team comprising police, Army, neighbourhood watch and forest guards commenced a search-and-rescue operation following the abduction of three persons at Amaja Community on August 30. Three expended shells of 7.62x39mm ammunition were recovered, while efforts to rescue the victims and apprehend the perpetrators are ongoing.
The police said all the cases remain under investigation by the respective State Criminal Investigation Departments (SCIDs), with search and intelligence operations continuing in cases where suspects remain at large or victims have yet to be rescued.
