By Nkechi Eze
The Nigeria Police Force has sustained its offensive against criminal activities across seven states, arresting multiple suspects and recovering firearms, ammunition, suspected illicit drugs, a stolen luxury vehicle and other exhibits in a series of intelligence-led operations.
The operations, conducted in Kano, Adamawa, Imo, Delta, Enugu, Akwa Ibom and Nasarawa states, also led to the rescue of two kidnapped victims, the neutralisation of two suspected abductors and the recovery of a N10 million ransom.
According to an operational summary issued on Saturday, October 17, 2026, and signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the successes involved coordinated efforts by police operatives, local hunters and community volunteers to disrupt kidnapping networks, armed robbery syndicates, cult groups and other suspected criminal activities.
In Kano State, police operatives working with local hunters rescued two kidnapped victims unharmed following a tactical ambush on suspected abductors after the collection of a N10 million ransom. Two suspected abductors were neutralised, while the ransom was recovered intact. Another suspect reportedly escaped with injuries.
In Adamawa State, a raid on a suspected kidnapping syndicate’s hideout in Mayo-Belwa Local Government Area led to the arrest of three suspects after a gun battle. Two AK-47 rifles and 45 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition were recovered during the operation.
Similarly, in Imo State, police operatives arrested a suspected kingpin linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), alongside three other suspects. The principal suspect was allegedly connected to attacks on vigilantes and kidnapping incidents in Oru-West Local Government Area.
The police recovered an AK-47 rifle, 21 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, Android phones and charms. Information obtained during interrogation has reportedly informed ongoing operations to rescue kidnapped victims and apprehend other suspects.
Delta State recorded multiple arrests in separate operations targeting suspected cultists, armed robbers and other criminal elements. In Ughelli South Local Government Area, police arrested three suspected members of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity during a raid on a suspected cult hideout.
Items recovered included two locally made pistols, two live cartridges, two expended cartridges, cult regalia, charms and other exhibits. In a separate operation at Jeddo Community, another 10 suspected cultists were arrested.
Police operatives also apprehended a suspected armed robbery suspect allegedly attempting to dispose of a Mercedes-Benz ML350 SUV reportedly stolen during an armed robbery in Edo State. The vehicle was recovered, and the victim was contacted, while efforts continued to arrest other fleeing members of the suspected gang.
In another operation targeting a suspected armed robbery syndicate in Ughelli North Local Government Area, one suspect was arrested and a locally made gun and a round of live ammunition recovered.
Meanwhile, a raid on a suspected criminal hideout in Ika South Local Government Area led to the arrest of four suspects. A double-barrelled pump-action gun, a laptop, six mobile phones and camouflage clothing were recovered.
In Enugu State, police operatives arrested a suspected drug peddler during a raid on the suspect’s residence. The items recovered included a locally made gun, three expended cartridges, suspected cannabis, sachets of Tramadol, other suspected illicit drugs, charms and additional exhibits.
In Akwa Ibom State, three suspects were arrested during a raid on a suspected criminal hideout in Eket Local Government Area. Police recovered a Tecno Android phone suspected to have been stolen, substantial quantities of substances suspected to be Indian hemp and other exhibits.
In Nasarawa State, a suspect was arrested following a petition concerning alleged unlawful possession of firearms. A search warrant executed at New Nyanya led to the recovery of a locally made pistol, while efforts continued to apprehend another suspect and recover ammunition.
The Force said the cases were being investigated by the respective State Criminal Investigation Departments in Kano, Yola, Owerri, Asaba, Enugu, Uyo and Lafia.
The operations form part of the police’s ongoing efforts to combat violent crime, dismantle criminal networks, recover illegal weapons and strengthen public safety through intelligence gathering and collaboration with local security partners.
