By Gabriel Ameh
The Nigeria Police Force has arrested at least 344 suspects, rescued kidnapped victims and recovered firearms and ammunition in a series of operations across several states.
The operations, conducted between September 19 and 20, 2026, also targeted kidnapping, child trafficking, violent crime, theft and other criminal activities.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, ANIPR, disclosed the operational outcomes in the State-by-State Executive Summary of police activities released on Monday.
334 Arrests Recorded in FCT
The Federal Capital Territory recorded the highest number of arrests, with police operatives apprehending 334 suspects during coordinated raids on criminal hotspots, black spots and uncompleted buildings across various locations.
Police also recovered various quantities of substances suspected to be illicit drugs during the operations.
Kidnap Victims Rescued in Adamawa
In Adamawa State, police operatives acting on intelligence raided a suspected kidnappers’ hideout in Shako Forest, Toungo Local Government Area.
The operation resulted in the rescue of two kidnapped victims who were reportedly found unharmed.
Two magazines containing 10 rounds of 7.62×39mm live ammunition were recovered, alongside a National Identification Number (NIN) card, mobile phone, passport and chain.
Police Intercept Suspected Child Trafficking Case
In Anambra State, police took custody of a suspect allegedly involved in child trafficking after the individual was arrested while travelling with a six-month-old baby boy.
The recovered child was handed over to the appropriate authorities for necessary action.
Kaduna, Ebonyi Operations Yield Breakthroughs
Police operations in Kaduna State also led to the arrest of four suspected kidnappers and the recovery of a locally made Dane gun.
In a separate operation at Soba Market, another suspected member of a kidnapping syndicate was arrested. Police said the suspect provided information that could assist efforts to apprehend five fleeing accomplices.
In Ebonyi State, intelligence-led and technology-assisted investigations into the kidnapping of a female police officer resulted in the arrest of a principal suspect.
According to the police, the suspect led operatives to a location where the remains of the abducted officer were recovered.
A separate investigation into another kidnapping case in the state also led to the arrest of a principal suspect, who reportedly guided police to a location where the victim’s remains were recovered.
Firearms Recovered in Imo, Ogun and Ekiti
In Imo State, police raided a suspected criminal gathering in Nekede, Owerri West Local Government Area, arresting a suspect and recovering a locally fabricated cut-to-size single-barrel firearm.
In Ogun State, operatives arrested a suspect allegedly linked to a fatal shooting in Isara, Remo North Local Government Area.
A single-barrel firearm, one live cartridge and one expended shell were recovered.
In Ekiti State, two suspects allegedly linked to multiple cases of shop-breaking and stealing in Ado-Ekiti were arrested, with suspected stolen iron rods recovered.
Police also recovered an abandoned white sack from farmland in Ado-Ekiti containing a pump-action firearm loaded with two live cartridges and a locally made single-barrel gun.
Police Intervene in Benue Communal Conflict
In Benue State, police tactical teams, supported by personnel of the Police Mobile Force and military units, intervened in a renewed communal conflict at Akpa-Mbakor Community in Tarka Local Government Area.
The intervention dispersed youths involved in the confrontation and restored normalcy in the area, according to the police.
In Oyo State, police arrested a truck driver allegedly involved in a fatal road traffic incident along the Ijebu-Ode/Idi Ayunre Road.
The truck was impounded for further inspection and investigation.
The Force said investigations into the various cases are ongoing at the respective State Criminal Investigation Departments.
Police also said efforts remain underway to apprehend fleeing suspects and accomplices and establish the circumstances surrounding the reported offences.
The latest operational report highlights the Nigeria Police Force’s continued use of intelligence-led operations, technology, inter-agency cooperation and coordinated deployments in tackling kidnapping, violent crime, trafficking and other criminal activities.
