The Nigeria Police Force recorded fresh operational gains across the country within the last 24 hours, arresting 112 suspects, recovering firearms and ammunition, rescuing kidnapped victims and foiling several criminal attacks in coordinated operations spanning 13 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The nationwide operations, which targeted cultism, kidnapping, armed robbery, banditry, homicide, drug-related offences and gender-based violence, also led to the recovery of three firearms, 14 rounds of live ammunition and a stolen vehicle, while one suspected kidnapper was neutralised during an attempted escape.
The FCT Command recorded the highest number of arrests after police operatives from 11 divisions conducted simultaneous raids on criminal hideouts, uncompleted buildings and other identified black spots across Abuja. The coordinated operation resulted in the arrest of 87 suspects, with quantities of suspected Indian hemp, illicit drugs and knives recovered.
In Delta State, police dismantled a suspected cult network during an intelligence-led operation in Amukpe, Sapele Local Government Area, arresting eight suspects. Officers recovered three locally fabricated pistols, six live cartridges, eight rounds of assorted ammunition, two axes, a bottle of suspected illicit substance and two cannabis grinders. The command also arrested a 36-year-old man accused of repeatedly defiling an 11-year-old Primary One pupil, who was taken for medical examination.
Akwa Ibom State Police Command recorded significant breakthroughs in homicide and anti-drug operations. Four suspects were arrested over the killing of a 21-year-old man allegedly beaten to death over suspected poultry theft, while the victim’s body was exhumed from a shallow grave for autopsy. Separate raids on suspected drug hideouts in Oruk Anam and Nkana Village led to the arrest of four additional suspects in possession of suspected cannabis.
In Oyo State, police arrested three suspected armed robbers linked to a home invasion in Ibadan, where residents were dispossessed of mobile phones valued at about ₦650,000. Two cutlasses and two saws were recovered during the operation. The command also commenced investigations into the death of a man found with multiple machete wounds in Agbede Village.
Police in Kebbi State launched investigations into the killing of the Director of Personnel Management in Yauri Local Government Area after gunmen attacked his residence and abducted his wife. During follow-up operations, one suspected kidnapper was fatally injured while attempting to evade a police checkpoint, with three mobile phones, an axe and other items recovered.
In Ogun State, police handled two separate defilement cases involving a Nigerian suspect and a Chinese national. Both victims were referred for medical examination, while the command also recovered a Toyota Sienna earlier reported stolen after it was abandoned in Sagamu.
In Benue State, security operatives repelled an armed bandit attack on Anyiase Community in Kwande Local Government Area with support from local youths. Although one resident sustained injuries from a stray bullet, the attackers were forced to retreat. Police also arrested a suspect linked to an earlier bandit attack in Otukpo.
Sokoto State Police Command successfully rescued two kidnapped victims unhurt after operatives engaged fleeing bandits in a gun duel following an attack on Rugar Yamma Village in Wamako Local Government Area.
In Anambra State, police opened investigations into the death of a 12-year-old student allegedly beaten by a teacher, while three suspects were arrested for allegedly abducting and defrauding female Point-of-Sale operators, including the theft of ₦3.9 million from one victim.
Katsina State Police Command arrested three local vigilante members over the fatal shooting of a man during an attempted arrest linked to an alleged debt dispute. The incident triggered unrest, with angry youths burning two vigilante motorcycles before police restored order.
Police in Kwara State responded to a fatal road traffic crash involving a container truck and an 18-seater commercial bus on the Niger-Kwara Border Bridge. Eleven people died at the scene, while nine others sustained injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment.
In Jigawa State, police launched a manhunt after two suspected criminals attacked officers on foot patrol with cutlasses, leaving both policemen seriously injured. A suspected stolen cow abandoned by the fleeing suspects was recovered.
Meanwhile, police coordinated emergency response efforts following an explosion at the Federal Government Gas Plant Project in Edo State. Engineers successfully shut the gas valves, preventing a fire outbreak. No casualties, injuries or property damage were recorded, while additional security personnel were deployed to secure the facility.
Overall, the nationwide operations recorded six homicide cases, three armed robbery incidents, three cult-related cases, three gender-based violence cases, two kidnapping incidents and three banditry-related incidents, reflecting sustained police efforts to combat violent crime and enhance public safety across the country.
