Saturday October 3, 2026
By SituationREPORT
The Nigeria Police Force, NPF, recorded major operational successes across the country, arresting 96 suspects linked to various crimes, rescuing 42 kidnapped victims, and recovering firearms, ammunition, and vehicles during intelligence-led operations conducted between September 26 and October 2, 2026.
Presenting the Force’s weekly operational briefing, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, said the achievements reflected the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to proactive, intelligence-driven and community-based policing.
According to the briefing, police operatives and tactical teams across the country intensified efforts against kidnapping, armed robbery, homicide, banditry, cultism, terrorism, cattle rustling and other criminal activities, leading to significant breakthroughs.
The Force disclosed that within the review period, 96 suspects were arrested, 42 kidnapped victims rescued, 16 firearms and 31 rounds of live ammunition recovered, while 16 vehicles linked to criminal activities were also recovered. Two armed suspects were neutralized during operations.
Among the notable successes was the rescue of 30 kidnapped victims in Sokoto State after armed bandits attacked passengers returning from a weekly market in Tidibale Village. Police operatives, supported by tactical teams and military personnel, engaged the attackers in a gun duel, forcing them to flee and abandon their captives.
In Rivers State, operatives from Eliozu Division intercepted a kidnap gang following a high-speed chase in Port Harcourt, rescuing a victim and recovering an AK-47 rifle, ammunition and a tricycle used by the suspects.
A joint security operation involving the police, military, DSS, hunters and vigilantes in Gombe State led to the arrest of four suspects and the rescue of three kidnapped victims. Similar coordinated efforts in Kogi State secured the release of a telecommunications worker abducted by gunmen dressed in military camouflage.
The police also recorded breakthroughs against armed robbery and cult-related crimes. In Ondo State, operatives of the Police VCRU dismantled a robbery syndicate operating in Akure and recovered a locally made revolver, charms and other exhibits. In Anambra State, a joint operation with Agunechemba Vigilante operatives resulted in the arrest of 13 suspected cultists and the recovery of suspected illicit substances and six motorcycles.
In Delta State, six suspected kidnappers, including three women, were arrested following the rescue of a 23-year-old abducted woman after intelligence-led tracking by operatives.
The Katsina State Police Command recorded two major successes. Operatives foiled a kidnap attempt along the Funtua–Zaria Highway, rescuing four victims, while a separate stop-and-search operation led to the recovery of 159 electric detonators suspected to be components for improvised explosive devices, IEDs. A 70-year-old suspect was arrested in connection with the explosives.
Meanwhile, in Benue State, police arrested a suspected cultist who allegedly threatened people at a market square with firearms. Two pistols, ammunition and charms were recovered from the suspect.
The Force said investigations are ongoing in all cases, while efforts have been intensified to apprehend fleeing suspects and dismantle criminal networks behind the various crimes.
Reaffirming the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to public safety, CSP Iniedu stated that the achievements recorded during the week demonstrate the Force’s determination to sustain operational pressure on criminals and strengthen partnerships with communities and other security agencies.
“The fight against crime continues. We will continue to respond, pursue those who threaten the safety of our communities, and work with Nigerians and our security partners to protect lives and property,” he said.
The Police assured citizens that intelligence-led operations and coordinated security actions would continue nationwide to ensure the safety of lives and property.
