The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a series of operational successes across several states, including the arrest of suspected criminals, rescue of kidnapped victims, recovery of firearms and stolen property, as well as the disruption of planned criminal activities.
The latest developments, contained in the Force’s operational update for August 9, 2026, covered incidents recorded between August 6 and 8 across Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Enugu, Ekiti, Ondo, Gombe, Imo, Katsina, Nasarawa, Ogun, Plateau, Rivers and Kogi states.
In Akwa Ibom State, four suspected cult members were arrested on August 8 after detectives, acting on intelligence, raided an alleged confraternity initiation ceremony at Ikot Idem Village in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area. Other participants reportedly fled the scene. The arrested suspects allegedly admitted belonging to cult groups and attending the ceremony. The State Criminal Investigation Department in Uyo is handling the investigation.
In Bauchi State, police arrested a suspect in connection with a fatal shooting in Gobur Village, Duguri District. The victim was taken to hospital after the incident but was later confirmed dead. A Dane gun allegedly linked to the shooting was recovered, while the suspect was taken into custody for investigation by the SCID in Bauchi.
Enugu State recorded multiple breakthroughs. In one operation, joint security personnel tracked suspected kidnappers to the Anuka Forest Reserve near the Kogi State boundary and engaged them in a gunfight. The kidnappers reportedly escaped, abandoning five victims who were rescued without injuries and without payment of ransom. A Hijet mini bus belonging to one of the victims was also recovered.
In a separate operation in Enugu, police arrested 10 suspected cult members at Obeagu Ogui following information obtained from a previously arrested suspect. The suspects reportedly admitted belonging to different unlawful societies.
Also in Enugu, two victims abducted from St. Joseph Catholic Church in Inoyi Community, Affa, Udi Local Government Area, were rescued after sustained pressure and pursuit by joint security teams. They were subsequently debriefed and reunited with their families.
In Ekiti State, police arrested a suspected cult member at Efon-Alaaye on August 7. A locally manufactured single-barrel firearm, one cartridge and a mobile phone were recovered from the suspect.
The following day, Rapid Response Squad operatives intercepted three suspected members of an ATM robbery syndicate in the Basiri area of Ado-Ekiti. Police recovered 16 ATM cards belonging to different banks from the suspects, who allegedly confessed to involvement in ATM-related robbery activities.
In Ondo State, a suspected armed robber was arrested during a stop-and-search operation along the Owo-Ute Road on August 7. Police recovered a cut-to-size pistol and four rounds of live ammunition from the suspect.
In Gombe State, police arrested a suspect over the death of a 39-year-old man who was allegedly assaulted in a bush area in Gona between August 7 and 8. The SCID in Gombe is investigating the case.
In Imo State, police operatives raided a suspected IPOB/ESN militia hideout at Odumara Orodo in Mbaitoli Local Government Area on August 8. Eleven suspects were arrested during the operation, while a wood-made bullet-proof vest reportedly fortified with charms was recovered. The suspects are being investigated by the SCID in Owerri.
In Katsina State, police and other security personnel engaged suspected armed bandits during an operation at Ganzaki Hill in Malumfashi Local Government Area. One bandit was reportedly neutralised, while another, who sustained injuries, was arrested during a follow-up search operation.
Two kidnapped children were rescued unharmed. Security personnel also recovered an AK-47 rifle loaded with 20 rounds of ammunition and five allegedly rustled animals.
In Nasarawa State, police arrested a suspect accused of threatening a resident with death and firing a pistol. A Russian-made pistol without its magazine, a knife and a spent cartridge case were recovered.
Another operation in Nasarawa led to the arrest of three occupants of an unregistered grey Toyota Camry along the Tudun Kwashi axis of Lafia. Police said the occupants could not provide a satisfactory explanation regarding ownership of the vehicle, which was subsequently recovered and taken into custody.
In Ogun State, six students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic who were abducted at Ipara were rescued following sustained security pressure. Anti-Kidnapping operatives, alongside personnel of the Department of State Services, later raided the suspected kidnappers’ hideout and engaged them in a gun battle.
Three suspected kidnappers were reportedly neutralised, while others escaped with gunshot injuries. Recovered items included an AK-47 rifle, an empty magazine, three mobile phones and ₦2.3 million in cash.
In Plateau State, police arrested three suspects accused of plotting to abduct the wives of two bishops in Jos. The arrests followed intelligence-led operations on August 7. The suspects reportedly confessed to the alleged plan, while police said efforts were continuing to apprehend other members of the suspected gang.
In Rivers State, police arrested a suspected member of a one-chance robbery syndicate allegedly operating under the cover of commercial transportation. An ash-coloured tricycle believed to have been used by the group was recovered. The suspect is reportedly assisting investigators with information aimed at identifying and arresting other members of the syndicate.
Meanwhile, Kogi State recorded the restoration of peace in Abugi, Lokoja Local Government Area, following a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the police to address an ongoing dispute.
According to the Force, the meeting examined the causes of the conflict and identified key individuals involved, while participants agreed on steps towards reconciliation. The police said the discussions ended peacefully, normalcy has returned to the area, and personnel remain deployed at strategic locations to maintain security.
The Nigeria Police Force said investigations into the various cases are ongoing at the respective State Criminal Investigation Departments, with further arrests and recovery of exhibits expected where necessary.
The operational update was issued by CSP Ani Iniedu, ANIPR, Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
