The Nigeria Police Force has recorded major operational successes across several states, dismantling a suspected terrorist network in Imo State while arresting suspects linked to cultism, murder, armed robbery, infanticide and railway vandalism in separate operations conducted within the last 24 hours.
The most significant breakthrough was recorded in Imo State, where operatives of the Police’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) raided a suspected terrorist hideout at Eziudo in Ezinihite Mbaise Local Government Area.
During the operation, four armed suspects were arrested and a cache of exhibits recovered, including three pump-action guns, 30 live cartridges, Biafra flags, military and police uniforms, recruitment forms, charms and photographs of purported group leaders. Police said the suspects confessed to ongoing recruitment activities and involvement in several terrorist attacks across the state.
In a separate operation in Owerri, police operatives arrested five suspected cultists, including 23-year-old Opara Ikechi, at Bishop’s Court. Recovered from the suspects were locally fabricated pistols, 31 rounds of ammunition, a dagger and a suspected confraternity scarf. The State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Owerri has commenced further investigation.
In Benue State, police arrested a woman, Nancy Sunday, over the alleged killing of her one-month-old stepdaughter. Investigators said the suspect allegedly smashed the infant’s head while the child’s mother, identified as Miracle Sunday, was away in Anambra State. The child’s body has been deposited at the Teaching Hospital morgue in Aliade for a post-mortem examination, while the SCID in Makurdi continues its investigation.
In Lagos State, detectives arrested Damilare Oladuni Orija for allegedly stabbing a 19-year-old man, identified simply as Jide, to death with a pair of scissors during an altercation at Agboyi 1, Alapere-Ketu. The victim’s remains have been evacuated to a public morgue for autopsy as investigations continue at the SCID, Panti.
Police also recorded a breakthrough in Ebonyi State with the arrest of 22-year-old Ezekiel Francis Akam, who is wanted in connection with an armed robbery case dating back to December 2025. Acting on intelligence provided by local vigilantes, operatives tracked the suspect to his hideout in Oriuzor, Ezza North Local Government Area. A battle axe was recovered during a search of the premises, while the suspect, who sustained suspected cartridge wounds on his left leg, was taken to the Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (FETHA 2) for treatment before further investigation.
In Akwa Ibom State, stop-and-search operatives responding to reports of gunshots arrested 33-year-old Divine Effiong Udo at Ikot Obong Otor village. Officers recovered a single-barrel gun and two expended cartridges, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other suspected members of the gang.
Meanwhile, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), police recovered an abandoned Peugeot 406 with registration number GWA 124 GP from the basement of the 21st Mall in Gwarinpa after the vehicle had remained unclaimed for 15 days. Investigations are underway to establish ownership.
Also in the FCT, police arrested two suspects, Ikoh Precious, 26, and Fabian Agaar, 30, for allegedly vandalising critical railway infrastructure and forcing an oncoming train to make an emergency stop. The suspects were also accused of inciting a crowd after the incident. The FCT Criminal Investigation Department is conducting further investigations into the case.
The latest operations underscore the Nigeria Police Force’s sustained efforts to combat terrorism, violent crime and other criminal activities across the country through intelligence-led policing and coordinated law enforcement operations.
