The Nigeria Police Force has recorded significant operational breakthroughs across 12 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), arrested 14 suspects, rescuing five kidnapped victims, recovering firearms, ammunition and stolen vehicles, while neutralised three armed suspects in a sustained nationwide crackdown on violent crime.
The development was contained in the Daily Situation Report (SITREP) submitted to the Inspector-General of Police by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu, covering major security incidents and operational outcomes recorded as of July 8, 2026.
The report highlighted the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to intelligence-driven policing, rapid response operations and strategic collaboration with other security agencies in tackling kidnapping, homicide, banditry, cultism and other criminal activities across the country.
According to the report, in Bauchi State, a joint security operation around the Yankari Game Reserve successfully rescued three kidnapped victims. Although no arrests were made during the operation, tactical teams have continued the pursuit of the fleeing kidnappers.
In Benue State, police arrested the principal suspect linked to the murder of Professor Gabriel Saawua Nyityo and his son at an NDLEA checkpoint. In a separate operation in Logo Local Government Area, security operatives neutralised a bandit and recovered ammunition, a motorcycle and charms believed to belong to the suspect. Efforts are also ongoing to rescue a female victim abducted in Katsina-Ala.
In Delta State, police rescued a female kidnap victim who was found unconscious and immediately rushed her to hospital for medical attention.
In Edo State, security operatives launched a bush-combing operation following the abduction of a cattle dealer, while another operation led to the arrest of an Edo State Security Corps official over alleged cultism. A pump-action gun was recovered from the suspect.
The Federal Capital Territory Command recorded the recovery of two stolen vehicles and arrested two suspects involved in vehicle theft, including the recovery of a Toyota RAV4 on the same day it was stolen.
Police in Gombe State arrested four suspects for culpable homicide and causing grievous hurt following a violent land dispute enforcement that claimed the life of one victim.
In Imo State, police made one of the most significant recoveries during the reporting period after raiding a swamp hideout where 346 rounds of assorted ammunition and seven magazines were recovered. Operatives also foiled an assassination attempt, arrested four suspects and recovered two locally fabricated pistols along with ammunition.
In Jigawa State, police commenced extensive forest combing operations after armed attackers killed a man and abducted his wife from a Fulani settlement.
The Nasarawa State Police Command recovered a pistol linked to a homicide investigation and rescued one of three abducted university students, while efforts continue to secure the release of the remaining two victims.
In Niger State, police arrested a mentally challenged suspect in connection with a culpable homicide that left one person dead and two others injured.
In Ogun State, a 60-year-old Imam was arrested over the alleged defilement of a 15-year-old girl and an attempted termination of the resulting pregnancy.
Police in Ondo State neutralised two suspected kidnappers during a foiled attack and recovered a pistol, a live cartridge and other incriminating exhibits.
In Sokoto State, four suspected cattle rustlers were arrested and two stolen sheep recovered, leading investigators to wider recovery efforts. However, a separate banditry attack claimed one life, left another person injured and resulted in the theft of a motorcycle. Forest operations are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing bandits.
In Plateau State, police arrested a suspect found in possession of a locally fabricated pistol and a knife after he allegedly caused panic at a health centre.
The SITREP showed that nationwide operations during the reporting period resulted in the arrest of 14 suspects, recovery of four firearms, approximately 350 rounds of ammunition, three stolen vehicles, rescue of five kidnapped victims, and the neutralisation of three armed suspects.
The report further indicated that police recorded six homicide cases, eight kidnapping incidents, one banditry attack, one cultism case and one gender-based violence case during the reporting period, while no cases of armed robbery or terrorism were reported.
Speaking on the report, CSP Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu said the operational successes reflect the renewed commitment of the Nigeria Police Force under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police to proactive policing and intelligence-led operations aimed at protecting lives and property across the country.
He noted that although kidnapping remains the most prevalent serious crime, ongoing cross-state operations and coordinated forest rescue missions have continued to yield positive results. He stressed the need for sustained intelligence sharing, rapid deployment of tactical assets and stronger collaboration with sister security agencies to consolidate the gains already recorded.
The Force Public Relations Officer also observed that many homicide cases were linked to land disputes, family altercations and banditry, underscoring the importance of strengthening community engagement, alternative dispute resolution mechanisms and intelligence gathering at the grassroots.
He added that the recovery of a large cache of ammunition in Imo State and the neutralisation of armed criminals in Benue and Ondo States demonstrated both the operational effectiveness of the Police and the need to intensify efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal firearms.
According to him, the increasing success of joint operations involving the Police, local hunters and vigilante groups has shown the value of community-based security partnerships, which should be further strengthened where necessary.
CSP Iniedu reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to sustaining intelligence-led policing, enhancing public confidence, and ensuring that all criminal elements threatening national security are brought to justice. He urged members of the public to continue supporting the Police with credible and timely information to improve crime prevention and response across the country.
