Police Record Major Operational Successes Across 13 States

The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a series of operational successes across several states, including the rescue of kidnapped victims, arrest of suspected criminals, neutralisation of armed suspects, and recovery of firearms, ammunition and other exhibits.

According to a State-by-State Executive Summary of operational activities for August 31, 2026, the operations were carried out in Ogun, Sokoto, Kano, Abia, Lagos, Katsina, Taraba, Oyo, Delta, Plateau, Akwa Ibom, Kaduna and Enugu states.

In Ogun State, police operatives rescued a kidnapped victim, Usman Umar, unhurt after combing surrounding forests. The operatives subsequently stormed the suspected kidnappers’ hideout, where two suspects were neutralised during a gun duel. Two AK-47 rifles, 25 rounds of ammunition and two mobile phones were recovered. In a separate operation in the state, a suspect was arrested in connection with a culpable homicide case, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend fleeing accomplices.

In Sokoto State, police tactical teams, alongside military personnel, foiled a planned attack by armed bandits moving towards Maikujera Village. Three bandits were neutralised during the operation, while an AK-47 rifle and 22 rounds of live ammunition were recovered.

In Kano State, police tactical teams rescued an abducted victim following an attack by suspected bandits at Garun Mallam Town. However, three other victims who sustained gunshot injuries during the attack were later confirmed dead.

In Abia State, operatives acting on credible intelligence recovered a locally made pistol, 40 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, two rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, four empty magazines, military camouflage uniforms and substances suspected to be Indian hemp during an operation at Okohia Forest in Ukwa West Local Government Area.

Similarly, in Lagos State, police tactical operatives arrested three suspected members of an armed robbery and carjacking syndicate. Three locally made firearms and eight rounds of live ammunition were recovered, while efforts continue to apprehend other members of the group.

Police operatives in Katsina State also foiled a cattle-rustling operation and recovered five stolen cows after engaging suspected rustlers in a gun duel. Victims injured during the attack were rescued and taken to Funtua General Hospital for treatment.

In Taraba State, police personnel rescued a 55-year-old woman, Alidoo Cecilia Ityo, and her granddaughter after they were reportedly abandoned by their kidnappers. A red Toyota Corolla allegedly abandoned by the suspects was also recovered.

Meanwhile, in Oyo State, four suspects were arrested in connection with the abduction of a nine-year-old boy, while four expended cartridges were recovered. Security operatives are continuing search operations to rescue the victim and apprehend other suspects. In another operation in the state, a suspected kidnapper was arrested after a victim reportedly identified him as one of those involved in her abduction.

In Delta State, police operatives arrested a suspect found wearing a Special Forces uniform and allegedly in possession of a locally fabricated pump-action firearm and four live cartridges.

In Plateau State, a combined team of police personnel, VCRU operatives and local hunters rescued a kidnapped pastor in Bokkos. The victim was rescued unhurt, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend those responsible.

Police operatives in Akwa Ibom State also raided a suspected criminal hideout in Ikot Edong Village, Uyo Local Government Area, arresting two suspected drug dealers and recovering a large quantity of substances suspected to be Indian hemp.

In Kaduna State, security operatives responding to reports of armed bandits disturbing farmers recovered a pump-action rifle, two cartridges and a motorcycle abandoned by fleeing suspects.

Similarly, in Enugu State, a joint security team comprising Police, Army, neighbourhood watch and forest guards launched a search-and-rescue operation following the abduction of three persons in Amaja Community. Three expended 7.62x39mm ammunition shells were recovered, while search efforts continue.

The Nigeria Police Force said investigations and search operations are ongoing in the affected states, with the various State Criminal Investigation Departments handling the cases.