The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has recorded major operational successes across the country, arresting 43 suspected criminals and rescuing six kidnapped victims in coordinated operations conducted within the last 24 hours.
The nationwide operations, which also led to the recovery of firearms, suspected stolen property, illicit substances and rustled livestock, were carried out by police formations in collaboration with other security agencies across Anambra, Bayelsa, Benue, Delta, Gombe, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Osun, Bauchi and Zamfara states.
According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie O. Iniedu, the operations underscore the Nigeria Police Force’s sustained commitment to combating crime, protecting lives and property, and strengthening public safety nationwide.
In Anambra State, police operatives arrested a suspected electricity transformer vandal, identified as Chiemerie Chukwuma, who was electrocuted while allegedly attempting to vandalise a transformer. He was rescued by officers and placed under police custody while receiving treatment at St. Felix Hospital, Nnewi.
In Bayelsa State, police arrested three suspected cultists, including 24-year-old Michael Kabaka and two students of the Federal University, Otuoke, following a shooting incident. Officers recovered a battle axe and a Toyota Corolla with registration number GBB-731-AE. Preliminary investigations have been concluded, while the suspects are to be transferred for further action.
In Benue State, police responded swiftly to an attack on the State Civil Protection Guard Office, leading to the arrest of three suspects and the recovery of a locally fabricated pistol.
Delta State Police Command also apprehended three suspects identified as Israel Nwafor, Eric Michael and Peter Edaifogho in connection with a murder case. The victim’s remains were deposited at the Federal Medical Centre morgue for autopsy.
In Gombe State, a routine patrol intercepted a vehicle conveying two suspected stolen cows. One suspect, Adamu Tukur, aged 40, was arrested after officers rescued him from an angry mob attempting to lynch him. The vehicle and recovered cattle were secured as exhibits.
The Force also successfully provided security during the visit of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to Kogi State, ensuring the event was conducted without any security breach.
One of the most significant breakthroughs was recorded in Nasarawa State, where police operatives rescued six kidnapped victims unhurt after sustained pressure on their abductors. The victims were medically examined, debriefed and reunited with their families.
The Nasarawa State Command also conducted a large-scale joint clearance operation involving the Nigerian Army, NSCDC, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Police Mobile Force, Civilian Joint Task Force and local hunters across nine communities. The operation resulted in the arrest of 29 suspects and the recovery of substances suspected to be Cannabis Sativa.
In a separate operation, the Visitation and Crime Response Unit (VCRU) responded to an armed robbery distress call, arresting one suspect and recovering a Lexus Sports Utility Vehicle, a laptop and other valuables abandoned by fleeing robbers.
In Niger State, a coordinated operation involving police tactical teams, the Department of State Services (DSS), hunters and vigilantes was launched following a homicide incident. Security surveillance was intensified across affected areas, while police arrested one suspect, Sagir Gwino, alias Dawa, in connection with a missing persons case and recovered several personal belongings belonging to the victims.
Ogun State Police Command also advanced its investigation into a rape case with the arrest of a 24-year-old woman, Sonde Mary, for allegedly assisting the principal suspect to evade arrest.
In Osun State, detectives visited a murder scene, documented evidence and evacuated the victim’s remains to the Wesley Guild Hospital mortuary for autopsy.
In Bauchi State, police operatives working alongside local hunters and vigilantes responded to an armed robbery and homicide incident, secured the crime scene and facilitated the release of the deceased’s body to family members for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.
Meanwhile, in Zamfara State, intensified anti-banditry operations saw joint police tactical teams and other security agencies respond to a bandit ambush. Security personnel evacuated victims for autopsy and facilitated burial arrangements. In Gummi Local Government Area, police recovered four cows abandoned by fleeing bandits after a gun battle and handed them over to the State Government Committee on Cattle Recovery for identification and return to their rightful owners.
The Force Headquarters further disclosed that joint security patrols have been intensified along the Gusau-Tsafe Federal Highway and other vulnerable routes to prevent further criminal activities.
Reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, the Nigeria Police Force urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information that will aid crime prevention and enhance national security.
