The Nigeria Police Force has recorded major operational successes across several states, rescuing at least 25 abducted victims, including 14 NYSC corps members, while arresting suspected criminals and recovering firearms, ammunition and other exhibits between August 29 and September 1, 2026.
The operations, which cut across Kogi, Zamfara, Kaduna, Niger, Benue, Oyo, Katsina, Kano, Ekiti and Nasarawa states, involved police tactical units working alongside other security agencies and local vigilantes.
The biggest breakthrough was recorded in Kogi State, where joint security forces engaged kidnappers in a gun duel on August 31. The encounter forced the criminals to flee, paving the way for the rescue of 21 abducted victims, including 14 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
In Zamfara State, security forces foiled a bandit attack after armed criminals intercepted a passenger truck, abducted its occupants and set the vehicle ablaze. Superior firepower forced the attackers to retreat, leading to the rescue of all the victims unharmed.
Arms, Ammunition Recovered
The Police also recorded significant successes in weapons recovery.
In Kaduna State, operatives searching an accidented vehicle recovered nine locally made revolver guns and 75 rounds of live cartridges. The exhibits have been transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit for further investigation.
In Benue State, police arrested a suspected gun runner following credible intelligence. Two locally fabricated pistols and a locally fabricated Type 06 rifle, alongside live ammunition, were recovered.
Similarly, officers in Ekiti State arrested two suspected armed robbers during a patrol in Ado-Ekiti. A locally made pistol, two live cartridges and four suspected stolen mobile phones were recovered.
More Kidnapping Operations Foiled
In Niger State, police tactical operatives and local vigilantes engaged bandits along the Mongoro–Wamba Road. The attackers retreated and abandoned two abducted victims, who were rescued unhurt.
A similar operation in Oyo State resulted in the rescue of an abducted victim after security personnel mounted sustained pressure on the kidnappers and exchanged gunfire with them.
In Kano State, police operatives ambushed kidnappers following the abduction of the Rogo Local Government Area APC Chairman. The suspects fled after engaging the police in a gun battle, reportedly with some sustaining gunshot wounds. Three motorcycles abandoned by the fleeing kidnappers were recovered.
Meanwhile, security operatives in Katsina State disrupted an attempted cattle-rustling operation, forcing armed bandits to flee the area.
In Nasarawa State, police and local vigilantes also tracked and arrested a wanted suspect linked to a culpable homicide case dating back to May 2026.
The Nigeria Police Force said the various cases remain under investigation by the respective State Criminal Investigation Departments (SCIDs), with suspects expected to face prosecution where evidence is established.
The latest operational successes underscore the increasing deployment of intelligence-led policing, joint security operations and sustained pressure against kidnappers, bandits, armed robbers and other criminal elements across the country.
