The Nigeria Police Force recorded significant operational successes across the country over the last 24 hours, rescuing 12 kidnapped victims, arresting 15 suspects and recovering firearms, ammunition, stolen vehicles and other exhibits, even as officers responded to several violent attacks in different states.
According to the Police Daily Situation Report for 13 July 2026, the operations, which covered 11 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), underscored the Force’s sustained efforts to combat kidnapping, armed robbery, illegal possession of firearms, vandalism and other violent crimes while maintaining public order.
The report showed that police operatives rescued 12 kidnapped victims, arrested 15 suspects, recovered two firearms, 60 rounds of ammunition and two vehicles during various intelligence-led operations.
In Niger State, police recorded one of the day’s biggest breakthroughs after tactical teams, working with local vigilantes, engaged armed bandits in a fierce gun battle at Mangoro Village in Mariga Local Government Area. The operatives overpowered the criminals and successfully rescued 11 abducted victims without injury before reuniting them with their families after debriefing. In a separate incident in Agaie Local Government Area, detectives arrested one suspect following a deadly land dispute attack.
Another major success was recorded in Oyo State, where the Anti-Kidnapping Squad rescued a five-year-old boy, Fikayo Gbemiga, who had been abducted earlier this month. Following a technology-driven investigation, operatives stormed the kidnappers’ hideout, arrested two suspects and rescued the child unharmed. The suspects reportedly confessed to demanding a ₦10 million ransom and receiving ₦1 million before their arrest. In a separate operation in Ibadan, police arrested another suspect during a stop-and-search operation, recovering a locally fabricated pistol, a live cartridge and suspected tramadol sachets.
In Kano State, police acting on credible intelligence arrested a 28-year-old suspect allegedly impersonating a military officer. Recovered from him were an AK-47 magazine loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition, an additional 29 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, military uniforms, caps, desert boots, suspected fake military identification and other items. Police said efforts were ongoing to apprehend two fleeing accomplices.
The Federal Capital Territory also recorded an operational success as police operatives attached to the Gwagwalada Division arrested a suspect during an ambush operation and recovered a locally fabricated firearm. Investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the weapon and its possible criminal use.
In Edo State, detectives arrested two suspected vandals allegedly caught damaging telecommunications infrastructure along Sapele Road in Benin City. Investigators linked them to an earlier case involving the recovery of 12 heavy-duty batteries and a Toyota Yaris, while another suspect connected to the case remains in custody.
Police in Gombe State intercepted a vehicle transporting two suspected stolen cows during a routine patrol in Dukku Local Government Area and arrested two suspects. One of the suspects allegedly assaulted a police corporal during the operation before being subdued and taken into custody. Investigators have launched a manhunt for an accomplice who escaped.
In Ogun State, detectives arrested four suspects in separate criminal cases. A 20-year-old suspect was arrested over the alleged defilement of a 14-year-old girl, while three others, including a serving military personnel, were apprehended over alleged impersonation and assault. Police recovered military attire believed to have been used in the offence.
Despite the operational gains, police also responded to several violent incidents across the country.
In Plateau State, security personnel swiftly mobilised to Kum Village in Riyom Local Government Area after armed bandits attacked the community, killing nine persons. Additional tactical teams were deployed to restore calm while investigations commenced.
In Benue State, police responded to an attack on Otukpo-Nobi Community in Otukpo Local Government Area, where eight persons were killed and five others injured. The Commissioner of Police, CP Cletus C. N. Nwadiogbu, personally led tactical teams to the area, calmed protesting youths, reopened blocked highways and reinforced security in surrounding communities.
Police in Zamfara State also joined other security agencies in responding to an armed bandit attack in Anka Local Government Area, where efforts are ongoing to apprehend the attackers.
In Akwa Ibom State, detectives launched investigations into an armed robbery and murder incident in Etinan Local Government Area, while in Bauchi State, police, local hunters and vigilante groups intensified efforts to rescue a man abducted by armed men in Kirfi Local Government Area.
Overall, the Police Daily Situation Report recorded 15 suspects arrested, two firearms recovered, 60 rounds of ammunition seized, two vehicles recovered and 12 kidnapped victims rescued across the affected states and the FCT, while investigations continue into all reported incidents and efforts remain underway to apprehend fleeing suspects.
