The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a series of operational successes across 11 states and the Federal Capital Territory, resulting in the rescue of kidnapped victims, the arrest of suspected criminals, and the recovery of firearms, ammunition, illicit drugs and other exhibits.
The operations, carried out between July 27 and 30, 2026, were driven by intelligence gathering and coordinated efforts involving police tactical teams and other security agencies.
Sokoto State: Police tactical teams, anti-kidnapping operatives, the Victims and Crime Response Unit (VCRU) and troops of the Nigerian Army rescued 32 kidnapped victims—six males and 26 females—after engaging armed bandits in a gun battle. The victims were rescued unharmed, while the suspects fled into a nearby forest.
Enugu State: Detectives arrested a suspect accused of defiling and impregnating a 13-year-old girl. The suspect remains in custody as investigations continue.
Lagos State: Police recorded multiple breakthroughs, including the arrest of a suspected leader of a highway robbery syndicate during an intelligence-led operation. The suspect reportedly confessed to the crime and admitted belonging to the Eiye Confraternity, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other gang members.
Operatives also rescued a kidnapped victim along the Lagos-Ogun border and reunited the victim with family members. In a separate operation, police arrested 39 suspects during raids on criminal hideouts and recovered 11 hand-push trucks, 14 hanging scales and two standing scales.
Federal Capital Territory: Police arrested two suspects for allegedly vandalising and stealing solar installations, recovering 14 solar poles and related accessories. In another operation, three suspected drug dealers were apprehended, with large quantities of Pregabalin, Tramadol, Nitrazepam, Codeine and other controlled substances recovered.
Delta State: One suspect was arrested following intelligence reports, leading to the recovery of two locally fabricated pistols and four rounds of live ammunition. In another operation, seven suspected cult members were arrested during a raid on a criminal hideout, where officers recovered a double-barrel gun, seven live cartridges, a cult beret and other items.
Akwa Ibom State: A wanted suspect was arrested over the alleged theft of goods valued at more than ₦5 million and a company vehicle. The suspect reportedly confessed, while efforts continue to recover the stolen vehicle. Police also arrested two suspects for allegedly vandalising government drainage infrastructure and recovered large quantities of drainage binding wires.
Benue State: During stop-and-search operations, police arrested a suspected gun runner and recovered 115 rounds of live AK-47 ammunition. In a separate intelligence-led operation, officers apprehended an alleged illegal gun manufacturer and recovered a locally made AK-47 rifle alongside tools used for weapon fabrication.
Ekiti State: Detectives arrested a fraud suspect accused of obtaining money under false pretences. Counterfeit United States dollars and suspected charms were recovered during the operation.
Bauchi State: Police arrested a rape suspect following a prompt response to a reported incident. The victim has received medical attention, while investigations continue.
Nasarawa State: Three abducted female students were rescued unharmed after sustained security operations. The victims were medically evaluated before being reunited with their families, while efforts to apprehend the kidnappers continue.
Osun State: Police arrested six suspects over alleged vote-buying and other electoral offences. Recovered exhibits included ₦4,818,500 in cash, ballot paper specimens, a laptop, printer, photocopying machine, voters’ register and voters’ cards.
The Nigeria Police Force said investigations are ongoing in all the cases, while efforts have been intensified to apprehend fleeing suspects and their accomplices. It also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property through intelligence-driven policing and sustained operations across the country.
