The Nigeria Police Force has recorded significant operational successes across several states of the federation, leading to the rescue of kidnap victims, arrest of suspected kidnappers, armed robbers, cultists, drug dealers and cattle rustlers, as well as the recovery of firearms, ammunition, stolen property and illicit drugs.
According to an official statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, the operations were carried out through intelligence-led raids and coordinated tactical responses by police operatives in collaboration with other security agencies.
In Adamawa State, police operatives, working with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, raided a kidnappers’ hideout in Ba’a Usman Forest, Fufore Local Government Area, where two suspected kidnappers were arrested. The suspects were linked to a kidnapping syndicate operating in Fufore and Jada Local Government Areas, while a locally made pistol was recovered.
In Akwa Ibom State, police operatives raided a suspected criminal hideout in Ikot Ekpene and arrested three suspected drug dealers. Large quantities of substances suspected to be Indian hemp were recovered, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend fleeing members of the gang.
The statement said police in Benue State arrested a 19-year-old suspect over alleged cattle rustling and the killing of one Benjamin Paul. The suspect reportedly confessed to the crime, while efforts have been intensified to arrest other members of the criminal syndicate.
Delta State recorded multiple operational successes, including the arrest of a robbery suspect and the recovery of a stolen motorcycle. Police also arrested a suspect linked to alleged abduction, rape and fraud after he was positively identified by five complainants. In a separate operation, a suspected cultist was apprehended and three locally made pistols as well as a locally made single-barrel gun were recovered.
In Ebonyi State, police operatives intercepted armed suspects allegedly blocking a road at Umuebe Roundabout in Ngbo. One suspect was arrested, while a pump-action gun and two live cartridges were recovered. Efforts are ongoing to arrest an accomplice who escaped.
Similarly, police in Edo State arrested a suspected cultist during an intelligence-driven operation and recovered a locally made pistol and two live cartridges. The suspect reportedly confessed to membership of the Black Axe Confraternity and provided useful information to investigators.
The statement further disclosed that joint security operatives in Kogi State foiled a kidnap operation along the Kabba–Ayere Road after launching a bush-combing exercise and deploying tear gas, forcing the kidnappers to abandon six victims. Two vehicles were also recovered, while efforts continue to rescue other passengers.
In Lagos State, a suspected cultist was arrested during a targeted operation. Police recovered eight live cartridges and ten sachets of tramadol, while investigations and efforts to apprehend fleeing accomplices are ongoing.
Police also arrested a suspected kidnapper in Nasarawa State after intelligence led operatives to his location. The victim reportedly identified the suspect as one of his abductors, while investigations continue to track down other members of the gang.
In Ogun State, sustained bush-combing operations led to the rescue of kidnapped victim, Engr. Sola Boyeji. Police also recovered another victim’s vehicle, while search and rescue efforts remain ongoing.
The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations and collaboration with other security stakeholders to combat crime and enhance public safety across the country.
