The Nigeria Police Force says its operatives have rescued 97 kidnapped victims and arrested 17 suspects in separate operations across several states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The development was contained in the Force’s state-by-state operational success report for Friday, August 21, 2026, signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu.
In Kaduna State, police operatives rescued 75 persons abducted at Polwaya Village in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State on August 19.
According to the report, detectives were mobilised after receiving information about the abduction, forcing the kidnappers to flee as security operatives arrived.
All 75 victims were rescued unharmed, alongside their belongings, and taken to the Area Command for debriefing. The State Criminal Investigation Department in Kaduna is handling the investigation.
In Benue State, 13 passengers who were abducted were rescued during a night operation at Amla-Cho Forest on August 20.
The police said joint tactical teams confronted the armed bandits, forcing them to abandon the victims and flee into the forest.
The rescued persons were reportedly unharmed, received medical attention and were subsequently conveyed home.
Two other kidnapping victims were rescued in the Federal Capital Territory following sustained bush-combing operations in Sunami Forest, Kuje Area Council.
The operation, conducted by police operatives and local vigilantes, forced the kidnappers to abandon the victims without the payment of ransom. One of the victims, who sustained injuries, was treated and later discharged to his family.
Meanwhile, seven passengers were rescued alive following a boat mishap on the Goronyo River in Sokoto State.
Police operatives provided security and coordinated search-and-rescue efforts after the incident. However, the search for other passengers who may still be missing remains ongoing.
In Oyo State, police arrested a suspect in connection with the alleged murder of an individual following a stabbing incident around the Alajiki 7UP Academy area of Ibadan.
The suspect was apprehended at the scene and has been taken into custody as the investigation continues.
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In Rivers State, eight suspects were arrested following an alleged attempt to cause a disturbance within the University of Port Harcourt premises.
Police said two locally made pistols and four cutlasses were recovered during the operation. The SCID in Port Harcourt is investigating the case.
Similarly, three suspected armed robbers were arrested in Jalingo, Taraba State, after police responded to an armed robbery incident in the New Era area.
An operational tricycle was recovered from the suspects and retained as an exhibit, while efforts are underway to arrest other fleeing members of the gang and recover additional stolen property.
In Kogi State, security operatives carried out a forest clearance operation along the Kabba/Bunu-Obajana/Lokoja axis.
The operation led to the demolition of an abandoned settlement reportedly used by bandits as a hideout for abducted farmers.
The police said fleeing suspects abandoned the camp as security forces intensified patrols, surveillance and clearance operations in the area.
In Anambra State, five suspects were arrested following a raid on a suspected criminal hideout at Nofia in Njikoka Local Government Area.
Police said the operation, which was based on credible intelligence, led to the recovery of large quantities of illicit drugs, vandalised insulated electricity cables, ₦72,550 in cash and a counterfeit ₦100 note.
The suspects are said to be cooperating with investigators and providing information that could assist in tracking down other members of the group who are still at large.
The police said investigations into the various incidents are ongoing through the respective State Criminal Investigation Departments, while operations aimed at apprehending fleeing suspects and preventing further criminal activities continue.