The Nigeria Police Force has recorded major operational successes across several states, neutralising suspected bandits, rescuing kidnapped and trafficking victims, arresting suspects and recovering firearms, ammunition and large quantities of suspected illicit drugs.
According to an official statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the operations were carried out between September 2 and 6, 2026, across Sokoto, Rivers, Niger, Kebbi, Abia, Anambra, Katsina, Kwara and Cross River states.
In Sokoto State, police tactical teams foiled an impending bandits’ attack on Yadiya Village on September 6 following credible intelligence. Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and the VCRU engaged the attackers in a gun duel, while subsequent bush-combing operations led to the neutralisation of four suspected bandits.
One AK-47 rifle, a magazine and 28 rounds of live ammunition were recovered during the operation, with no casualties recorded among security personnel or villagers.
In Niger State, police operatives engaged armed bandits who attacked Pelegi Community in Mashegu Local Government Area. One suspected bandit was neutralised during the encounter, although five victims were abducted.
The police said efforts were ongoing to rescue the victims unharmed and apprehend the fleeing members of the gang.
In Kebbi State, personnel of the Police Mobile Force on routine patrol came under heavy attack by armed terrorists. The ensuing gun battle lasted for more than two hours, during which several attackers were reportedly neutralised, while others fled with gunshot wounds and casualties.
Reinforcements were subsequently deployed, restoring normalcy to the area.
The police also recorded a breakthrough in Rivers State, where operatives rescued 41-year-old Kingsley Aleaga, who had been held captive for four days. The victim was rescued unharmed during an operation at Ogale, Eleme Local Government Area, while three suspects were arrested and quantities of suspected hard drugs recovered.
In Abia State, four suspects were arrested over an alleged attempt to negotiate the sale of a one-year-four-month-old child. Police operatives rescued the child and placed the minor in protective custody.
Similarly, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad in Anambra State raided a suspected criminal hideout at Umuota Village, Obosi, based on credible intelligence.
Five suspected major dealers in illicit substances were arrested, while large quantities of suspected cannabis sativa, methamphetamine, cocaine and Colorado were recovered, alongside other exhibits and ₦19,000 cash.
In Katsina State, joint police and local tactical teams engaged heavily armed bandits who attacked communities in Bakori Local Government Area. The operation forced the attackers to retreat and restored normalcy to the affected communities.
Meanwhile, police operatives and local vigilantes in Kwara State arrested two suspects allegedly involved in kidnapping and banditry. The September 2 operation resulted in the recovery of ₦770,000 cash, two Infinix smartphones, a locally made bulletproof vest and a power bank.
Another operation in Offa, Kwara State, led to the arrest of 25-year-old Afolabi Ayomide after he was reportedly found threatening residents with a firearm at Avalon Hotel. A locally crafted Beretta pistol loaded with six rounds of live ammunition was recovered.
In Cross River State, police operatives rescued two severely injured victims who had allegedly been assaulted over an unconfirmed allegation of stealing. The victims were taken to the General Hospital, Calabar, for medical treatment, while the principal suspect was arrested to assist the ongoing investigation.
The Force said the various cases had been transferred to the respective State Criminal Investigation Departments for further investigation, while efforts were continuing to apprehend fleeing suspects and rescue the five victims abducted in Niger State.
