The Nigeria Police Force has intensified its nationwide crackdown on criminal activities, arresting at least 18 suspects and recovering firearms, 1,123 rounds of live ammunition, stolen motorcycles, livestock and other exhibits across eight states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The operational successes were recorded between September 11 and 12, 2026, according to a state-by-state executive summary released by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, on Monday.
In Zamfara State, police operatives intercepted a vehicle conveying three suspects at a checkpoint in Maru Local Government Area on September 12. A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 1,123 rounds of 7.62mm AK-47 live ammunition concealed inside it. The suspects were arrested and the case transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Gusau, for further investigation.
In Imo State, three suspected armed robbers were arrested at a hideout where police recovered 13 stolen motorcycles, an unregistered Toyota Sienna bus, motorcycle spare parts and other exhibits. Preliminary investigation revealed that some of the motorcycles were allegedly stolen at gunpoint.
Katsina State recorded two major breakthroughs. In the first operation, police tactical teams engaged suspected bandits in a gun duel, forcing them to flee into the bush with gunshot injuries. One suspect was arrested while 15 rustled cows and 35 sheep were recovered.
In a separate operation in the state, three suspected bandits were arrested over the abduction of an elderly victim. Police said preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects allegedly conspired to abduct the victim and collected ₦3 million ransom before releasing him after 16 days in captivity.
In Oyo State, a kidnapped victim was rescued unharmed after a combined team of police operatives and other security personnel combed surrounding bushes. The operation reportedly forced the abductors to abandon the victim and flee.
Gombe State also witnessed a series of arrests and recoveries. Police arrested a suspected armed robber following an attack on a residence and recovered a stolen motorcycle, two locally made explosive devices and other exhibits reportedly abandoned by fleeing suspects.
In another operation, police arrested a second suspected armed robber and recovered another stolen motorcycle following a robbery attack on a residence.
Police operatives, working with local vigilantes, also arrested a suspect allegedly involved in the vandalisation of infrastructure and recovered stolen armoured cables. A saw and pliers believed to have been used in the vandalisation were also recovered.
In Delta State, police arrested a suspect found in possession of a pump-action gun and 18 live cartridges. The suspect is currently being investigated by the SCID in Asaba.
The Federal Capital Territory recorded two separate operational successes. Police arrested a suspect allegedly involved in the stabbing death of a male victim after tracing him following his initial flight from the scene.
In another incident, police operatives responded swiftly to a distress call and arrested a suspect at the National Stadium while allegedly attempting to steal a Toyota Sienna vehicle.
In Sokoto State, police detectives arrested a suspect in connection with an alleged unnatural offence involving a five-year-old child. The victim received medical treatment at a General Hospital and was subsequently discharged.
The Police Force said investigations into the various cases are ongoing, with the respective State Criminal Investigation Departments handling the cases.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to combating violent crime, protecting lives and property, and bringing criminal elements to justice.
The Police also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to keep communities safe.
