The Nigeria Police Force has recorded significant operational successes across several states of the federation within the last 24 hours, including the arrest of a notorious IPOB/ESN kingpin, the rescue of a kidnapped farmer, the apprehension of a suspected fake soldier linked to banditry, and the arrest of rape and vandalism suspects.
In Enugu State, police operatives arrested a notorious IPOB/ESN commander, Chinonso Umeh, popularly known as “Onye Army,” during a coordinated operation in Imo State. Security operatives recovered one AK-47 rifle, one revolver pistol, assorted ammunition and charms from the suspect.
In a separate operation in the state, police patrol teams arrested two suspects, Asanya Nnamdi and Abugu Tochukwu, recovering a pump-action gun, 22 live cartridges, a knife, an Allen key and ₦239,200 suspected to be linked to criminal activities. Both cases have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Enugu, for further investigation.
In Kano State, police operatives arrested 28-year-old Muhammad Isa, who allegedly impersonated a military personnel while being suspected of involvement in banditry. Two accomplices identified as Atiku and Alhassan escaped during the operation, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend them.
Items recovered from the suspect include an AK-47 magazine loaded with 30 rounds of live ammunition, 79 additional rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, two pairs of military uniforms, three military caps, a suspected fake military identity card, a national identity card, ATM cards and a pair of desert boots. Investigations are ongoing.
In Oyo State, police, in collaboration with Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes and hunters, successfully rescued a kidnapped farmer, Owoade Mathew, during sustained bush-combing operations. The victim was rescued unharmed and reunited with his family, while investigations into the kidnapping and related armed robbery cases continue at the SCID in Ibadan.
Meanwhile, in Cross River State, detectives tracked and arrested a rape suspect, Henry Erim, following an intensive investigation. The survivor was taken to Cottage Hospital, Akpet Central, for medical examination, while the suspect reportedly confessed to the crime and remains in police custody pending further investigation.
In Ogun State, police detectives responded to an armed robbery incident in Simawa and subsequently arrested two suspects, Mubarak Ibrahim and Mohammed Yusuf, at the Ogere Trailer Park Market for allegedly vandalising and stealing electrical infrastructure. Stolen electrical conductors and other equipment were recovered, while the suspects are expected to be arraigned in court after investigations by the SCID, Eleweran.
In Zamfara State, police tactical teams, working alongside other security agencies, were deployed to suspected escape routes following a bandit attack on Geba village. The operation is ongoing as investigators intensify efforts to apprehend those responsible.
Similarly, in Niger State, police detectives visited the scene of a double homicide at Woko village, evacuated the victims’ bodies to the General Hospital in New-Bussa for autopsy and launched an intensive manhunt for the perpetrators.
The latest operations underscore the Nigeria Police Force’s sustained efforts to combat violent crimes, dismantle criminal networks and enhance public safety through intelligence-driven policing and collaboration with other security agencies.
