The Nigeria Police Force has recorded another round of operational successes across several states of the federation, with officers foiling kidnapping attempts, rescuing a teenage victim, arresting suspected kidnappers, cultists and armed robbery suspects, while recovering firearms, ammunition and other dangerous weapons.
In Katsina State, operatives of the Force’s tactical unit engaged suspected armed bandits in a prolonged gun battle in the early hours of Saturday along the Funtua-Dandume Local Government Area boundary. The operation led to the successful rescue of 16-year-old Hafiza Rabiu, who had earlier been abducted from Babbangida village in Danja Local Government Area. The victim was rescued unhurt and taken to hospital for medical evaluation, while the fleeing bandits reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds. Police have since intensified bush-combing operations to recover rustled livestock and apprehend the suspects.
In Delta State, police investigations into an attack on a resident identified as Obi Odiaka led to the arrest of four additional suspected cultists after four earlier suspects were transferred from Igbodo Division. During the operation, a patrol team leader sustained injuries and a police patrol vehicle was damaged. In a separate operation, tactical operatives arrested two men over their alleged involvement in kidnapping activities across the region. Investigators said the suspects are linked to a wanted fugitive and are assisting ongoing investigations.
In Osun State, police operatives responded to reports of sporadic gunfire in the Jatta area, leading to the arrest of five suspected thugs. Recovered during the operation were an unregistered green Toyota Sienna bus, a single-barrel gun, ten live cartridges, a long cutlass, a knife and assorted charms.
The Police also dismantled a suspected kidnapping syndicate in Rivers State following investigations into the abduction of 35-year-old Jane Ikechukwu, who was kidnapped from her shop by armed men. Although the victim was released after a ransom was paid and subsequently hospitalised, coordinated operations by police operatives between July 11 and July 19 resulted in the arrest of five suspects, including one Owhor Chinedu, aged 42, while relevant exhibits were recovered.
In Ondo State, tactical operatives arrested three suspected armed robbers allegedly responsible for attacks along the Lagos-Ondo corridor. The suspects were arrested during an operation on Saturday evening. Recovered from them were an ash-coloured Mercedes-Benz ML350, an AK-47 rifle loaded with 18 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, an automatic Beretta pistol loaded with four rounds of 9mm ammunition, a battle axe and an iron cutter. The suspects remain in police custody.
Police also recorded significant operational successes in Benue State. Following a farm attack, operatives recovered a locally fabricated pistol, two rounds of live 9mm ammunition and a machete after the alleged assailant was fatally wounded. Later the same day, another suspect identified as Dauda was arrested after a distress call over gunshots at a market square. Officers recovered a double-barrel gun, three live cartridges and a knife from the suspect.
In Imo State, an intelligence-led raid on a hostel in Owerri resulted in the arrest of a 23-year-old suspected cultist, Opara Ikechi. Police recovered a locally fabricated pistol, one live round of ammunition, a dagger and a suspected confraternity scarf during the operation.
In Akwa Ibom State, detectives responding to reports of gunshots during a stop-and-search operation arrested 33-year-old Divine Effiong Udo at Ikot Obong Otoro village. Officers recovered a single-barrel gun and two expended cartridges from the suspect.
Similarly, in Taraba State, police operatives working with local hunters arrested a 57-year-old suspect identified as Ibrahim, who was allegedly found in possession of a locally made Beretta pistol and 12 rounds of ammunition. Police said the suspect would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Meanwhile, in Oyo State, police arrested two suspects, aged 20 and 22, over the alleged rape of a 16-year-old girl. Investigators said the suspects allegedly lured the victim with ₦1,500 before sexually assaulting her. Police recovered the victim’s torn clothing, documented the crime scene and took the survivor to the Police Medical Hospital in Agodi, where a medical examination reportedly confirmed penetration. The suspects are expected to face prosecution.
The latest operations underscore the Nigeria Police Force’s sustained efforts to combat violent crime, dismantle criminal networks and improve public safety through intelligence-led policing and coordinated tactical operations across the country.
