By Gabriel Ameh
The Nigeria Police Force says its operatives rescued 36 kidnapped victims, arrested several suspects and recovered firearms, ammunition and stolen vehicles during operations across multiple states between September 24 and 25, 2026.
The operational update, released by Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, covered incidents recorded in Gombe, Sokoto, Rivers, Lagos, Enugu, Benue, the Federal Capital Territory, Ebonyi, Ogun, Adamawa and Kaduna states.
Gombe: Three kidnapped victims rescued
In Gombe State, police and other security personnel conducted a clearance operation in Ribado Ward, Funakaye Local Government Area.
The operation led to the arrest of four suspected kidnappers and the rescue of two victims.
According to the police, pressure from the operation forced fleeing members of the gang to release another kidnapped victim, who was later reunited with family members.
Three motorcycles were also recovered as exhibits.
Sokoto: 30 victims rescued from bandits
In Sokoto State, police and military personnel responded to an attack on vehicles carrying passengers on September 24.
The security teams engaged the suspected bandits, who reportedly fled into a nearby forest and abandoned the victims.
Thirty kidnapped persons were rescued without injuries, while two injured victims were evacuated to a medical facility for treatment.
Rivers: Kidnap victim rescued, AK-47 recovered
In Rivers State, police patrol operatives reportedly intercepted a suspected kidnap gang following a high-speed chase.
One kidnapped victim was rescued and a suspected kidnapper was arrested.
Police said an AK-47 rifle, three rounds of live ammunition and a tricycle were recovered.
Lagos: Two stolen vehicles recovered
Police in Lagos responded to a distress call concerning the theft of two vehicles and pursued the suspects.
According to the police, the suspects abandoned both vehicles after realizing they were being pursued.
The vehicles were subsequently recovered and taken to the police station.
Enugu and Benue: Suspects arrested, firearms recovered
In Enugu State, police working with neighbourhood watch personnel raided a suspected criminal hideout and arrested one suspect.
A locally made pistol was recovered.
In Benue State, two suspected cultists were arrested during a routine patrol. Police said officers recovered a locally fabricated revolver pistol, two expended rounds of ammunition, a mobile phone and charms.
FCT: Suspected cable vandal arrested
In the Federal Capital Territory, police officers reportedly intercepted three suspicious persons behind Maitama Extension.
Following a chase, one suspect was arrested. The police said the suspect provided information identifying alleged accomplices in the case.
Ebonyi and Ogun: Murder-related arrests
In Ebonyi State, police arrested a suspect linked to the death of a person who had reportedly suffered severe burn injuries. The deceased was deposited at a hospital mortuary for autopsy.
In Ogun State, police reported several separate cases involving suspected murder and manslaughter.
One suspect was arrested in connection with a suspected murder, while another was arrested over the reported death of a newborn following alleged medical intervention.
Police also recovered a blood-stained bedsheet as an exhibit in another suspected murder case.
The remains involved in the cases were deposited at mortuaries for autopsies.
Adamawa: Three bodies recovered after attack
Police in Adamawa State responded to a reported terrorist attack on communities in Hong Local Government Area.
Three deceased victims were recovered and taken to the Federal Medical Centre, Hong, for post-mortem examinations.
Two injured victims were also evacuated for medical treatment, while joint security personnel began efforts to track the alleged attackers.
Kaduna: Injured victims evacuated after bandit attack
In Kaduna State, police deployed an APC patrol team following a reported bandit attack.
According to the police, escape routes were blocked as security personnel attempted to contain the attackers.
Two injured victims were evacuated to General Hospital, Malumfashi, for treatment.
The police said investigations into the various incidents are ongoing, with the relevant State Criminal Investigation Departments handling the cases.
The Force Public Relations Officer urged members of the public to continue providing useful information to security agencies.
Source: Nigeria Police Force
