The Nigeria Police Force has reported a series of operational successes across seven states, including the rescue of 15 kidnapped victims, the neutralisation of suspected bandits and the recovery of several firearms and ammunition.
According to a statement on Tuesday, issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the operations were carried out between August 9 and 10, 2026, as police tactical teams intensified efforts against kidnapping, banditry, cultism, armed robbery and other crimes.
In Kogi State, police-led security operatives rescued 15 victims following an intelligence-driven operation and extensive bush combing after their abduction.
The operatives reportedly engaged the kidnappers in a gun duel, neutralising some of the suspects while others escaped with gunshot injuries. The rescued victims were debriefed and reunited with their families.
In Benue State, police tactical operatives foiled an attack by suspected bandits at Tse Udi Community in Tombo Council Ward.
During the confrontation, one suspected bandit was neutralised while others fled into the forest. An AK-47 rifle loaded with 17 rounds of live ammunition was recovered.
Meanwhile, in Bayelsa State, police arrested a suspect linked to the fatal shooting of a man at Inburutoru, Nembe.
The operatives recovered a double-barrel gun and an empty cartridge from the suspect before handing him and the exhibits over to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.
In Enugu State, detectives arrested a suspected armed robbery operative at a hotel in Udenu Local Government Area after receiving information about a suspicious lodger.
A locally made pistol and a live cartridge were recovered from the suspect, who reportedly confessed to belonging to a robbery gang. Police said efforts were ongoing to arrest his fleeing accomplices.
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Four suspected cultists were also arrested in Efon-Alaaye, Ekiti State. A search of one of their residences led to the recovery of a locally made pistol, axes, cutlasses and knives.
In Ondo State, police detectives recovered an ash-coloured Mercedes-Benz GLK allegedly stolen from an employer in Lagos.
The suspect was arrested while reportedly attempting to sell the vehicle at Kajola. Police said the suspect confessed during interrogation to stealing the vehicle from his employer.
In Lagos State, police operatives and firefighters responded to a fire outbreak at Itire, where a residential bungalow was consumed by fire.
The blaze was eventually brought under control, with the police confirming that no casualty or loss of life was recorded.
The Force said the various cases were being investigated by the respective State Criminal Investigation Departments in Lokoja, Makurdi, Yenagoa, Enugu, Ado-Ekiti, Akure and Panti.
The latest operations form part of the Nigeria Police Force’s ongoing efforts to strengthen intelligence-led policing, disrupt criminal networks and protect lives and property across the country.