The Nigeria Police Force has recorded significant breakthroughs in its ongoing nationwide offensive against violent crime, disrupting criminal networks across multiple states through coordinated operations that led to the arrest of suspected kidnappers, armed robbers, cultists and terror collaborators, as well as the recovery of firearms, ammunition and the rescue of kidnap victims.
According to an official statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the operations, conducted between July 31 and August 3, 2026, reflect the Force’s sustained commitment to intelligence-driven policing and inter-agency collaboration in tackling insecurity across the country.
One of the most significant operations was recorded in Nasarawa State, where police operatives intercepted two female suspects allegedly transporting 551 rounds of live AK-47 ammunition and ten loaded AK-47 magazines. The suspects reportedly confessed during interrogation, while detectives have widened investigations to identify other members of the arms trafficking network.
In Anambra State, detectives arrested a suspected notorious kidnap and armed robbery kingpin believed to have participated in several abduction operations. Investigators recovered mobile phones containing incriminating videos and operational voice notes, which are expected to aid ongoing investigations.
Police also dealt major blows to criminal gangs in Rivers and Imo states. In Rivers, three suspected cultists linked to the killing of two police officers were arrested, while two Police AK-47 rifles stolen during the attack were recovered. In Imo State, operatives arrested a suspected native doctor allegedly collaborating with IPOB/ESN elements and another suspected cultist during a raid on an initiation camp, recovering two Beretta pistols, a locally-made pistol and live ammunition.
The operations also resulted in the rescue of several kidnap victims. In Kaduna State, officers rescued a kidnapped motor boy unharmed after engaging bandits in a gun battle, while efforts continue to recover the stolen truck used during the attack. A joint security team in Kogi State also rescued four abducted victims during bush-combing operations and reunited them with their families.
Similarly, in Enugu State, five suspects were arrested during a joint security operation that led to the recovery of firearms, live cartridges and motorcycles, while an abducted church official was rescued. Security teams are continuing efforts to secure the release of other victims.
The nationwide crackdown also targeted cult-related violence and armed robbery. In Ogun State, police arrested 17 suspected cultists during a raid on an initiation gathering, recovering a firearm and a stolen Toyota Camry. Six suspected cultists were also arrested in Ekiti State, while Delta State witnessed the arrest of three suspected cultists alongside another suspect allegedly plotting a kidnapping operation.
In Ebonyi State, eight suspects were arrested in separate operations involving armed robbery and unlawful possession of firearms, leading to the recovery of locally-made firearms, live cartridges and a suspected stolen vehicle linked to fleeing IPOB/ESN elements.
Akwa Ibom State police arrested four suspects during a raid on a criminal hideout where large quantities of suspected illicit drugs were recovered. Two additional suspects were apprehended in connection with a high-profile kidnapping investigation.
Elsewhere, police arrested two suspected armed robbers in Lagos State during routine patrols, recovering a locally-made Dane gun and live cartridges. Another operation in Delta State led to the arrest of four suspected armed robbers and the recovery of two pump-action guns and three suspected stolen motorcycles.
Joint security operations in Zamfara State reportedly neutralised several bandits during a fierce gun battle, while one suspect was arrested for allegedly conveying communication gadgets to criminal groups. In Taraba State, detectives arrested a suspected kidnapper linked to a notorious gang, with intelligence obtained from the suspect expected to support ongoing investigations.
Meanwhile, in Borno State, combined security forces successfully repelled a terrorist attack on a local government secretariat, restored normalcy in the area and commenced clearance operations to track fleeing terrorists.
The Nigeria Police Force said investigations into the various cases are ongoing at the respective State Criminal Investigation Departments, reaffirming its determination to sustain nationwide operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks, protecting lives and property, and enhancing public safety across the country.
