The Nigeria Police Force has recorded significant operational successes across several states, including the arrest of 16 criminal suspects, rescue of five kidnapped victims, recovery of firearms, ammunition, stolen property and 452 rustled animals, as part of sustained efforts to combat crime and maintain public safety nationwide.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, ANIPR, disclosed the achievements in a state-by-state operational update covering police activities between August 2 and 6, 2026.
According to the statement, in Akwa Ibom State, police operatives acting on credible intelligence raided a suspected criminal hideout in Esit Eket Local Government Area, arresting five suspects. Recovered during the operation were a locally made pistol, a Point-of-Sale (POS) machine, a machete, ₦400,000 cash, suspected cannabis and local charms.
In Enugu State, detectives arrested three suspects over the alleged defilement of a minor, while the victim was taken for medical examination and treatment.
Police operations in Imo State led to the arrest of six suspected terrorists and armed robbery suspects, including a suspected terrorist native doctor, following the dismantling of a terrorist hideout in Njaba Local Government Area. Criminal charms, stolen motorcycles and locally made pistols were recovered during separate operations.
In Jigawa State, officers foiled an animal rustling operation, recovering 25 stolen sheep and arresting one suspect, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang.
In Katsina State, tactical police teams successfully repelled an attack by armed bandits after a gun duel, forcing the assailants to retreat and restoring free movement along the affected route.
Joint security operatives in Kogi State rescued four abducted passengers during a bush-combing operation launched after an attack on a commercial bus. Border security operations have continued to rescue the remaining victims.
In Nasarawa State, police arrested a suspect found with 20 rounds of live AK-47 ammunition, with investigations underway to identify other members of the criminal network.
Similarly, in Oyo State, police tracked and arrested a suspected kidnap kingpin linked to a series of abductions. A kidnapped victim was rescued unhurt during sustained bush-combing operations, while efforts are ongoing to arrest other gang members.
In Ogun State, operatives recovered an English Sub-Machine Gun (SMG) rifle and 75 rounds of live ammunition. Police also facilitated a peace meeting that successfully resolved a communal dispute, restoring calm to the affected community.
In Plateau State, proactive engagement by the police led to the suspension of a planned protest by the “Take It Back Movement,” with authorities confirming that the state remains peaceful under continuous security monitoring.
Meanwhile, in Sokoto State, police tactical teams, working alongside other security agencies, repelled coordinated bandit attacks in Shagari and Rabah Local Government Areas. The operation resulted in the recovery of 452 rustled animals, comprising 195 cows, 84 sheep, two camels and 171 other livestock, which are being returned to their rightful owners.
The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property through intelligence-led policing, collaboration with other security agencies and sustained operations against criminal elements across the country. Investigations into the various cases remain ongoing.
