One of the operations resulted in the rescue of a two-year-old boy after investigators uncovered an alleged plot by his mother and two accomplices to fake his abduction and demand ₦15 million from his grandmother.
The Force Intelligence Department arrested 34-year-old Nansik Wuyep Sule in Jos, Plateau State, on July 23, 2026, following credible intelligence.
Police said Sule allegedly confessed to conspiring with Catherine Davou, the child’s mother, to stage the kidnapping.
The boy was reportedly kept at Davou’s residence, while another suspect, Luka Emmanuel Butdam, allegedly contacted the grandmother and demanded ₦15 million as ransom.
The three suspects were arrested, while the child was rescued and taken to hospital for medical attention. He was subsequently handed over to his biological father.
In a separate operation, the FID arrested Idris Mohammed, also known as Yellow, in Bauchi State on July 28. He was described by the police as a suspected kidnapper.
A red 2012 Toyota Corolla, with registration number SMK 611 BF, was recovered from the suspect. According to the police, the vehicle had been abandoned during a kidnapping operation and was later returned to the complainant.
Another suspect, Mohammed Bello Adams, was subsequently arrested in Nasarawa State in connection with Mohammed’s alleged activities.
Police investigations reportedly linked the suspects to the kidnapping of Pastor David Dahni and Abdullahi Abubakar. The victims’ families were said to have paid ₦7.5 million and ₦3 million respectively for their release.
Meanwhile, the Intelligence Response Team arrested eight suspects allegedly involved in kidnapping and the illegal procurement and supply of firearms in Imo and Rivers states.
The suspects are Mohammadu Sani, Moses Daniel, Usman Mohammad, Aliyu Manu, Ibrahim Mohammed, Samaila Ibrahim, Ahmed Abubakar and Umaru Abdullahi. They were handed over to the police by the Office of the National Security Adviser on June 4.
Mohammadu Sani, identified as the alleged leader of the group, was arrested on the outskirts of Owerri, Imo State. Police said an AK-47 rifle and 30 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition were recovered from him.
Preliminary investigations allegedly showed that the group had relocated from Kogi State to Port Harcourt and was involved in several kidnapping operations across Rivers and Imo states.
The suspects were also allegedly involved in the illegal procurement and distribution of firearms. Police said a prima facie case had been established against them, while investigations continued.
In another operation targeting firearms trafficking in the North-Central region, operatives arrested Yakubu Danladi Pam and Abdulsalam Mohammed Hussain.
Investigations commenced on June 22 after intelligence allegedly linked Pam to the illegal sale and distribution of firearms. A locally fabricated AK-47 rifle without a magazine or ammunition was recovered from him.
Further intelligence gathering led to the arrest of Hussain in Jos, Plateau State, on June 30. Police said a Type 06 rifle, two magazines and 28 rounds of live ammunition were recovered from him.
According to investigators, Hussain was allegedly involved in the transportation and supply of firearms across the North-Central and North-Eastern regions. Efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the suspected syndicate.
In Katsina State, six suspects were also arrested over alleged involvement in the illegal purchase and sale of firearms and ammunition.
The suspects—Kabiru Mohammed, Muhammad Sani, Brahim Musa Lawan, Yusuf Shuaibu, Manner Abdulmumuni and Fatima Ishiaku—were arrested on March 29 following intelligence obtained through intercepted telephone communications.
Police said the operation led to the recovery of 78 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, four rounds of red cartridges, a long knife, several charms and ₦220,000 in cash, which were registered as exhibits.
Investigators also identified three other individuals—Alhaji Abdulbashir, Alhaji Ado Garba and Alhaji Babban Kifi—as alleged collaborators who reportedly lured the suspects into the arms trade because of its perceived profitability. The three individuals remain at large.
The police alleged that the female suspect acted as a courier, delivering firearms and ammunition to prospective buyers.
The Force said the operations demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing, sustained investigations and inter-agency collaboration in tackling emerging and established security threats.
It reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling kidnapping networks, disrupting illegal firearms trafficking and combating violent criminal enterprises and fraudulent schemes.
The police also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide credible information through established channels to support ongoing efforts to protect lives and property.
