The Nigeria Police Force has recorded major operational successes across 13 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) within the last 24 hours, leading to the arrest of 112 suspects, the rescue of kidnapped victims, the recovery of firearms and ammunition, and the disruption of criminal activities ranging from cultism and armed robbery to homicide, kidnapping and gender-based violence.
The nationwide operations, carried out through intelligence-led raids, tactical interventions and coordinated policing efforts, underscore the Force’s sustained commitment to combating violent crime and enhancing public safety.
The largest operation was recorded in the Federal Capital Territory, where operatives from 11 police divisions conducted simultaneous raids on identified criminal hideouts, black spots and uncompleted buildings across Abuja. The operation resulted in the arrest of 87 suspects, with quantities of suspected Indian hemp, illicit drugs and knives recovered.
In Delta State, police operatives raided a suspected cult hideout in Amukpe, Sapele Local Government Area, arresting eight suspects linked to a violent secret cult. Recovered exhibits included three locally fabricated pistols, six live cartridges, eight rounds of assorted ammunition, two axes, suspected illicit substances and cannabis grinders. Police also arrested a 36-year-old suspect for the alleged repeated defilement of an 11-year-old pupil, while the victim was taken for medical examination.
In Akwa Ibom State, detectives arrested four suspects over the alleged murder of a 21-year-old man who was reportedly beaten to death over accusations of poultry theft. The victim’s body was exhumed from a shallow grave for autopsy. Separate anti-drug operations in Oruk Anam and Nkana Village led to the arrest of four additional suspects for alleged drug-related offences.
Police in Oyo State arrested three suspected armed robbers over a violent home invasion in Ibadan during which mobile phones worth about ₦650,000 were stolen. Two cutlasses and two saws were recovered. The command also commenced investigation into the murder of a man found with multiple machete wounds in Iseyin.
In Kebbi State, police launched investigations into the killing of the Director of Personnel Management, Alhaji Nasiru Mohammed, during a kidnapping attack in Yauri, while one suspected kidnapper was neutralised after attempting to evade a police roadblock. Three mobile phones, an axe and other items were recovered, although the victim’s wife remains in captivity.
Police in Ogun State arrested two suspects in separate cases involving the alleged defilement of two 13-year-old girls, including one case involving a foreign national. The command also recovered a Toyota Sienna vehicle earlier reported stolen.
In Benue State, security operatives repelled an attack by armed bandits on Anyiase Community in Kwande Local Government Area, while another suspect linked to a previous attack in Otukpo was arrested during follow-up investigations.
In Sokoto State, operatives of the Police’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit successfully rescued two kidnapped victims after engaging armed bandits in a gun battle. The victims were rescued unhurt, with no casualties recorded among security personnel or residents.
Police in Anambra State arrested three suspects linked to the abduction and financial exploitation of female Point-of-Sale (POS) operators. The suspects allegedly confessed to defrauding one victim of ₦3.9 million. The command is also investigating the death of a 12-year-old student allegedly beaten by a teacher.
In Katsina State, police arrested three local vigilante members over the alleged fatal shooting of a 42-year-old man during an attempted arrest over a debt dispute. Officers also restored calm after angry youths set two vigilante motorcycles ablaze.
A tragic road accident on the Niger–Kwara border claimed the lives of 11 persons, while nine others sustained injuries following a collision involving a commercial bus and a container truck. Police and emergency responders cleared the scene and evacuated the victims.
In Jigawa State, two police officers sustained serious injuries after they were attacked with cutlasses by suspected criminals during a patrol. The attackers fled, abandoning a suspected stolen cow, while efforts to apprehend them are ongoing.
Meanwhile, police in Edo State successfully coordinated emergency response efforts following a gas plant explosion at Ogan Community in Orhionmwon Local Government Area. Prompt intervention by security personnel, engineers and firefighters prevented a major fire outbreak, with no casualties or property damage recorded.
National Operational Summary
According to the Police operational report, the nationwide operations resulted in:
* 112 suspects arrested
* 3 firearms recovered
* 14 rounds of ammunition recovered
* 1 stolen vehicle recovered
* 2 kidnapped victims rescued
* 1 suspect neutralised
The operations covered offences including homicide, armed robbery, cultism, kidnapping, banditry, gender-based violence and drug-related crimes across 13 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-led operations, strengthening inter-agency collaboration and ensuring that criminal elements are brought to justice while maintaining peace and security across the country.
