By Gabriel Ameh
ABUJA – The Nigeria Police Force has rescued kidnapped University of Jos (UNIJOS) lecturer, Professor Danbauchi Solomon, in Plateau State as security operatives recorded a series of successes against kidnapping, banditry, armed robbery and cult-related crimes across several states.
The Force Headquarters announced on Wednesday that Professor Solomon was rescued unharmed and has since reunited with his family.
According to the police, investigations into the kidnapping are ongoing, with the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Jos leading efforts to identify and arrest those responsible for the abduction.
The rescue was disclosed in the Force Headquarters’ State-by-State Executive Summary of Police Operational Successes for July 27–29, 2026, which highlighted significant achievements by police commands nationwide.
In Anambra State, operatives arrested two notorious kidnapping suspects, including an alleged gang leader and the group’s armourer, following credible intelligence.
Police said the suspects confessed to participating in an earlier kidnapping operation in which a ₦15 million ransom was allegedly collected. Efforts are ongoing to arrest other members of the gang and recover additional operational weapons.
The report also outlined several other successful operations across the country.
In Benue State, police tactical teams engaged armed bandits in a gun battle following an attack, neutralizing two suspects and recovering one AK-47 rifle. Additional personnel have been deployed as efforts continue to recover rustled cattle and apprehend fleeing suspects.
In Niger State, one suspect was arrested during a stop-and-search operation, while officers recovered five AK-47 rifle magazines and 185 rounds of live ammunition. Investigations are ongoing to recover more weapons and arrest other suspects.
In Rivers State, police arrested two additional kidnapping suspects and recovered one AK-47 rifle and one submachine gun (SMG). In a separate operation, another suspect linked to armed robbery was arrested with a locally made pistol, a live cartridge and a suspected stolen motorcycle.
In Kano State, police rescued nine kidnapped victims after engaging armed bandits who attacked a passenger bus. Security operatives have intensified search operations to rescue the remaining victims and apprehend the attackers.
In Enugu State, police arrested two suspects over the killing of a young man in Oji River. Officers also apprehended two suspected cultists and recovered a locally made pistol.
In Bayelsa State, one armed robbery suspect was arrested, while security operatives recovered two firearms, live ammunition, illicit drugs and other exhibits.
Similarly, police in Akwa Ibom State arrested a prime suspect linked to alleged kidnapping, torture and cult-related activities. Authorities said the suspect confessed to the offences and admitted membership of a cult group.
In Edo State, one suspected cultist was arrested with a locally made pistol.
Meanwhile, in Ogun State, a joint security team comprising the Nigeria Police Force, So-Safe Corps, OPC and Amotekun rescued a kidnapped victim, who was subsequently taken for medical treatment. Security agencies are continuing efforts to apprehend the fleeing kidnappers.
The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-led operations aimed at combating violent crimes, dismantling criminal networks and enhancing public safety across the country.
