The Nigeria Police Force has arrested at least 50 suspects, rescued 15 kidnapped victims, and recovered several firearms, ammunition and other exhibits in operations conducted across 12 states between August 6 and 8, 2026.
The figures are contained in the State-by-State Executive Summary of Police Operational Success issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu.
In Akwa Ibom, four suspected cultists were arrested during an alleged confraternity initiation ceremony at Ikot Idem Village in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area.
In Enugu State, police and other security agencies recorded multiple successes, including the rescue of five kidnapped victims from kidnappers who fled following a gun duel at Anuka Forest Reserve near Kogi State. Another two kidnapped victims were also rescued and reunited with their families. Police further arrested ten suspected cultists in Obeagu Ogui.
Ekiti State recorded the arrest of four suspects in two separate operations. One suspected cultist was arrested at Efon-Alaaye with a locally made gun and cartridge, while three suspected members of an ATM robbery syndicate were arrested in Ado-Ekiti with 16 ATM cards.
In Ogun State, six Gateway ICT Polytechnic students kidnapped at Ipara were rescued following sustained security pressure. Three suspected kidnappers were neutralised during a subsequent operation, while an AK-47 rifle, mobile phones and ₦2.3 million were recovered.
In Katsina State, security operatives engaged armed bandits at Ganzaki Hill in Malumfashi LGA, neutralising one bandit and arresting another injured suspect. Two kidnapped children were rescued, while an AK-47 rifle loaded with 20 rounds of ammunition and five rustled animals were recovered.
The police also reported the arrest of 11 suspected IPOB/ESN members at a suspected militia hideout in Odumara Orodo, Mbaitoli LGA of Imo State, where a bullet-proof vest made of wood was recovered.
Other operations resulted in the arrest of a murder suspect and recovery of a Dane gun in Bauchi; an armed robbery suspect and firearm in Ondo; a culpable homicide suspect in Gombe; and suspects linked to firearm-related offences in Nasarawa.
In Nasarawa, police also intercepted a suspected stolen Toyota Camry and arrested three occupants who could not satisfactorily account for the vehicle.
In Plateau State, three suspects were arrested over an alleged plot to kidnap the wives of two bishops in Jos, while in Rivers State, a suspected member of a one-chance robbery syndicate was arrested and an ash-coloured Keke bus allegedly used by the gang was recovered.
Meanwhile, in Kogi State, police intervention through a stakeholders’ meeting helped restore peace following a conflict in Abugi, Lokoja Local Government Area, with personnel deployed to strategic locations to maintain the restored calm.
The Force said investigations into the various cases are ongoing across the affected State Criminal Investigation Departments.
