By Uriel Ihotu
The Nigeria Police Force says its operatives have arrested several suspects, rescued a kidnapped victim and recovered firearms, ammunition, stolen motorcycles and other exhibits during operations across the country.
The operations, carried out between September 11 and 12, 2026, covered Zamfara, Imo, Katsina, Oyo, Gombe, Delta, Sokoto states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
In Zamfara State, police operatives arrested three suspects during a checkpoint operation in Maru Local Government Area and recovered 1,123 rounds of 7.62mm AK-47 ammunition allegedly concealed in their vehicle.
In Imo State, three suspected armed robbers were arrested at a hideout where police recovered 13 stolen motorcycles, an unregistered Toyota Sienna bus, motorcycle spare parts and other exhibits. Police said preliminary investigations indicated that some of the motorcycles were stolen at gunpoint.
In Katsina State, police tactical teams engaged suspected bandits in a gun duel, forcing them to flee into the bush. One suspect was arrested, while 15 cows and 35 sheep allegedly rustled by the criminals were recovered.
In a separate operation in Katsina, three suspected bandits were arrested over the alleged abduction of an elderly victim. Police said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects collected a ₦3 million ransom before releasing the victim after 16 days in captivity.
In Oyo State, police and other security personnel rescued a kidnapped victim after combing surrounding bushes. The operation reportedly forced the suspected abductors to abandon the victim and flee.
In Gombe State, police arrested suspected armed robbery suspects in separate operations. One operation led to the recovery of a stolen motorcycle, two locally made explosive devices and other exhibits, while another resulted in the recovery of a stolen motorcycle.
Police in Gombe also arrested a suspect allegedly involved in vandalising infrastructure and recovered stolen armoured cables, as well as a saw and pliers allegedly used in the operation.
In Delta State, police arrested a suspect allegedly found in possession of a pump-action firearm and 18 live cartridges.
In the FCT, police arrested a suspect allegedly linked to the stabbing death of a man. The suspect was reportedly traced and arrested after initially fleeing the scene.
In a separate FCT operation, police responded to a distress call and arrested a suspect allegedly attempting to steal a Toyota Sienna at the National Stadium.
In Sokoto State, police detectives arrested a suspect over an alleged offence involving a five-year-old child. The police said the child received treatment at a General Hospital and was subsequently discharged.
The Nigeria Police Force said the various cases remain under investigation by the relevant State Criminal Investigation Departments and the Criminal Investigation Department in Abuja.
The Force urged members of the public to continue providing useful information to security agencies and reaffirmed its commitment to tackling violent crime, kidnapping, armed robbery, banditry and other criminal activities across the country.
