The Nigeria Police Force has intensified operations against criminal elements across several states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), rescuing 93 kidnapped victims and recovering firearms, illicit drugs and other dangerous exhibits.
The operations, conducted between August 18 and 20, 2026, also resulted in the arrest of 22 suspects for offences ranging from kidnapping and armed robbery to drug peddling, murder and other criminal activities.
According to an official statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, police operatives recorded the largest rescue operation in Kaduna State on August 19, following the abduction of about 75 persons at Polwaya Village, Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State.
The statement said detectives swiftly mobilised following the incident, forcing the abductors to flee and abandon all 75 victims.
The victims were rescued unhurt with their belongings and conveyed to the Area Command for debriefing, while the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Kaduna, commenced investigation.
In Benue State, joint tactical teams rescued 13 kidnapped bus passengers following a night operation at Amla-Cho Forest on August 20.
The operation reportedly forced the armed bandits to flee, leaving the victims behind. The rescued persons were unharmed, provided medical attention and subsequently conveyed home.
In the FCT, sustained bush-combing operations by police operatives and vigilantes led to the rescue of two kidnapped victims from Sunami Forest in Kuje Area Council.
The operation forced the kidnappers to abandon the victims without payment of ransom. One injured victim was treated and later discharged to the family.
The Force also reported a targeted forest clearance operation along the Kabba/Bunu-Obajana/Lokoja axis in Kogi State, where security operatives demolished an abandoned settlement allegedly used by bandits to hold abducted farmers.
The operation forced fleeing hoodlums to abandon their camp, while intensive patrol, surveillance and clearance operations continued in the area.
In Anambra State, five suspects were arrested after police operatives, acting on credible intelligence, raided a criminal hideout at Nofia, Njikoka Local Government Area.
Large quantities of illicit drugs, vandalised insulated electricity cables, N72,550 cash and a counterfeit 100-dollar note were recovered. The suspects were also said to have provided information to assist efforts to track down fleeing accomplices.
Similarly, three suspected drug peddlers were arrested in Enugu State following a raid on a criminal hideout at Ozalla, Nkanu West Local Government Area.
Police recovered substantial quantities of substances suspected to be Indian hemp and other illicit drugs. The suspects reportedly confessed to the offence, with further investigation and prosecution underway.
In Rivers State, eight suspects were arrested following an attempted disturbance at the University of Port Harcourt premises. Two locally made pistols and four cutlasses were recovered.
Police in Oyo State also arrested a suspect in connection with a reported stabbing incident around the Alajiki 7UP Academy area of Ibadan.
In Taraba State, three suspected armed robbers were arrested at the scene of an incident in the New Era area of Jalingo, with an operational tricycle recovered as an exhibit. Efforts were ongoing to apprehend fleeing accomplices and recover other stolen items.
Meanwhile, police operatives in Sokoto State rescued seven passengers following a boat mishap along the Goronyo River.
The Force said its personnel provided security and coordinated search-and-rescue operations, while efforts remained ongoing to locate passengers still reported missing.
The Police said the series of operations demonstrated its continued commitment to intelligence-led policing, rapid response and sustained operations against criminal networks across the country.
