The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a series of operational successes across several states of the federation within the last 24 hours, leading to the arrest of suspected kidnappers, cultists, armed robbers and human traffickers, while also rescuing abducted children and recovering arms, vehicles and other exhibits.
A situation report released by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO) on Wednesday showed that police commands nationwide responded to multiple violent crimes, launched rescue operations and intensified investigations into attacks linked to banditry, kidnapping and armed robbery.
In Kebbi State, detectives are investigating an ambush by armed bandits on a military patrol in Wasagu District in which two Forest Guards were killed and one soldier was declared missing. Rescue efforts are ongoing.
In Kogi State, joint security operatives were deployed to Bakunba Village following an attack by gunmen that claimed one life and left four persons abducted. In another incident at Bakumba Community, one Samuel Aguma was shot while his brother, Shilanto, was kidnapped. Police have commenced investigations and are conducting bush-combing operations to rescue the victims.
In Edo State, police are probing a robbery incident at a Paparazzi shop in Auchi where a security guard, Yusuf Ismail, was found tied up and dead, while phones and laptops were stolen.
Similarly, in Niger State, security operatives visited Maianguwa Ajimba where Alhaji Manu Maisaje was killed and three children abducted. In another attack at a Fulani settlement in Woko Village, two persons, Garba Umaru and Buba Toro, were shot dead. Rescue efforts for the kidnapped children are ongoing.
In Benue State, police reinforced security in Ondo Ugboju Community, Otukpo Local Government Area, after an armed attack left one person dead and several others injured. Governor Hyacinth Alia and the Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, visited the affected community as additional security personnel were deployed to prevent further attacks.
The report also highlighted significant breakthroughs in Gombe State where police arrested Micah Nuhu for allegedly attacking a woman with a pestle before stealing her purse. Officers also arrested two suspected housebreakers found with 39 master keys and recovered a stolen Toyota Yaris after armed robbers stabbed its owner and abandoned him along the road.
In Ondo State, police arrested two suspected members of the Eiye Confraternity following intelligence-led operations and identified other wanted members of the gang. A separate raid on a suspected criminal hideout led to the arrest of three suspects and the recovery of suspected Indian hemp and other illicit substances.
In Bauchi State, police rescued two four-year-old children after a suspect allegedly attempted to abduct them with the promise of ₦50. The children were safely reunited with their parents while the suspect remains in custody.
Police also uncovered a suspected human trafficking network in Anambra State with the arrest of two suspects accused of trafficking an 18-year-old woman to Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, without her parents’ consent. The suspects allegedly confessed to operating the trafficking ring for years while investigations continue to apprehend other members of the syndicate.
In Ebonyi State, operatives arrested a suspected armed robber and recovered a locally made double-barrel pistol with a live cartridge.
Akwa Ibom police rearrested a robbery suspect who allegedly attacked a woman with a dagger before residents overpowered him, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing gang members.
In Imo State, a joint operation involving the police, military and local vigilantes disrupted an armed robbery operation in Owerri, leading to the arrest of one suspect and the recovery of a locally fabricated pistol.
Police in Nasarawa State have also intensified efforts to rescue two victims abducted by suspected kidnappers in Bethel City, while patrol teams and local vigilantes continue to trail the suspects.
Meanwhile, in Enugu State, two suspected members of the Abashie Confraternity were arrested during a raid at Banana Estate, Independence Layout. Police recovered suspected illicit drugs, eight motorcycles and a tricycle abandoned by fleeing gang members.
The Nigeria Police Force said investigations are ongoing in all the reported cases, while efforts have been intensified to arrest fleeing suspects, rescue kidnapped victims and sustain coordinated operations aimed at tackling violent crime across the country.
