The Nigeria Police Force recorded a series of operational successes across several states between July 31 and August 3, 2026, leading to the arrest of kidnapping, armed robbery and cultism suspects, the rescue of abducted victims, and the recovery of firearms, ammunition and other exhibits.
According to a police operational update, detectives also foiled criminal activities, dismantled suspected gangs and intensified investigations into terrorism-related offences in different parts of the country.
In Nasarawa State, police operatives intercepted two female suspects allegedly transporting 551 rounds of live AK-47 ammunition. Officers recovered 10 loaded AK-47 magazines and additional rounds of ammunition. The suspects reportedly made useful confessions, while investigators are working to identify other members of the syndicate.
In Anambra State, detectives arrested a suspected notorious kidnap and armed robbery kingpin believed to have participated in several abduction operations. Police recovered mobile phones containing alleged incriminating videos and operational voice notes, with investigations ongoing.
Three suspected cultists were arrested in Rivers State over the killing of two police officers during an earlier attack. Police also recovered two AK-47 rifles earlier stolen from the slain officers, while efforts continue to apprehend another fleeing gang member.
In Imo State, operatives arrested a suspected native doctor allegedly linked to IPOB/ESN activities. During separate operations, another suspected cultist was arrested at a cult initiation camp, while officers recovered two Beretta pistols, one locally fabricated pistol and live ammunition.
Police in Kaduna State rescued a kidnapped motor boy after engaging suspected bandits in a gun battle. The victim was rescued unharmed and reunited with the truck driver, while efforts are ongoing to recover the stolen vehicle and arrest the fleeing suspects.
A joint security team in Kogi State rescued four kidnapped victims during bush-combing operations. The victims have since reunited with their families as security agencies continue the manhunt for the abductors.
In Ebonyi State, six suspected armed robbers were arrested with two locally made firearms and live cartridges. Two additional suspects were apprehended for unlawful possession of firearms, while police also recovered a vehicle believed to have been stolen during an operation targeting fleeing IPOB/ESN elements.
Police operatives in Akwa Ibom State raided a suspected criminal hideout, arresting four suspects and recovering large quantities of suspected illicit drugs. Two other suspects were also taken into custody in connection with an ongoing kidnapping investigation.
In Delta State, police foiled a planned kidnapping operation by arresting a suspect allegedly preparing to carry out the crime. Officers recovered a firearm and live cartridges. During a separate operation, three suspected cultists were arrested with dangerous weapons.
Another operation in Delta led to the arrest of four suspected armed robbers. Police recovered two pump-action guns and three motorcycles suspected to have been stolen.
In Enugu State, five suspects were arrested during a joint security operation that also led to the recovery of firearms, live cartridges and motorcycles. Security operatives rescued one abducted church official, while efforts continue to secure the release of other victims.
In Lagos State, two suspected armed robbers were arrested during routine patrol operations. Officers recovered a locally made Dane gun and three live cartridges.
Police in Ogun State arrested 17 suspected cultists during a raid on an alleged initiation ceremony. One firearm was recovered, while detectives also traced and recovered a stolen Toyota Camry.
Similarly, in Ekiti State, six suspected cultists were arrested following a raid on a secret cult meeting. Police recovered a vehicle and other exhibits believed to be linked to criminal activities, while investigations continue.
In Zamfara State, joint security operatives neutralised several bandits during a gun battle. One suspect was arrested for allegedly transporting communication gadgets to bandits, as security agencies sustained operations against criminal networks.
Police also arrested a suspected kidnapper in Taraba State believed to be a member of a notorious criminal gang. According to the police, the suspect provided useful information that is expected to aid the arrest of other gang members.
In Borno State, combined security forces successfully repelled a terrorist attack on a local government secretariat. Authorities said normalcy has been restored, while clearance operations remain underway to track fleeing terrorists.
The Nigeria Police Force said all the cases are under investigation by the respective State Criminal Investigation Departments (SCIDs) across the affected states.
