The Nigeria Police Force has recorded major operational breakthroughs across 10 states, neutralising suspected bandits, rescuing eight kidnapped victims and arresting 64 suspects in a series of intelligence-led operations conducted between September 8 and 9, 2026.
The operations also resulted in the recovery of firearms, motorcycles, illicit drugs and rustled livestock, as police tactical teams sustained pressure on criminal elements across affected areas.
In Kaduna State, police operatives, working alongside vigilantes and local hunters, raided suspected bandits’ camps at Auchanawa and Wambai following credible intelligence. The operatives engaged the bandits in a gun duel, neutralising two suspects while several others reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds.
Two kidnapped victims, 20-year-old Abubakar Zubairu and 18-year-old Farida Abubakar, were rescued during the operation, while the bandits’ camps were successfully dislodged. Combing operations are continuing in the area.
Katsina State recorded two separate operational successes. In Kafur Local Government Area, police operatives strategically blocked an escape route at Mararabar Dayawa Forest and engaged armed bandits in a gun battle.
One suspected bandit was neutralised while others fled with gunshot wounds. The operation also led to the rescue of 40-year-old kidnapped victim, Abubakar Al Hassan, and recovery of two operational motorcycles belonging to the bandits.
In another operation in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area, police tactical operatives responded to simultaneous attacks by heavily armed bandits at Giginyu Village and Khadija Bread Quarters. The operatives engaged the attackers and successfully chased them out of the affected communities, restoring normalcy. One rustled cow and one sheep were also recovered.
In Gombe State, a joint clearance operation in Kowagel, Dukku Local Government Area, and Bojude, Kwami Local Government Area, led to the arrest of 30-year-old Manu Alhaji Sani, who allegedly confessed to involvement in a series of kidnapping operations.
According to the Police, sustained pressure from the joint team forced members of the fleeing syndicate to abandon three abducted victims, who were subsequently rescued. A Honda motorcycle and three keypad phones were also recovered.
Zamfara State equally recorded a major breakthrough after Police and other security operatives responded to an attack by armed bandits at the Low-Cost Area in Tsafe.
The operatives engaged the attackers in a heavy gun duel, leading to the rescue of two kidnapped victims, Hibba Kamal and her daughter, who were recovered unharmed. Combing operations are ongoing to rescue the remaining victims and apprehend fleeing suspects.
In Nasarawa State, Police operatives and vigilantes on patrol arrested two suspects, David Bitrus, 28, and Yakubu Bitrus, 22. Three locally fabricated single-barrel rifles were recovered from the suspects, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other persons connected to the firearms.
Akwa Ibom State Police Command also recorded a breakthrough in the fight against armed robbery following a report of a robbery incident. Stop-and-search operations led to the arrest of 19-year-olds Francis Monday Jack and Shedrach Unong Okon.
The suspects were allegedly found in possession of a motorcycle stolen from the victim and were subsequently taken into custody for investigation.
In Kano State, intelligence-led operations resulted in the arrest of eight suspected drug peddlers. Police recovered 15 capsules of Pregabalin, five tablets of Diazepam, 10 tablets of Exol-5 and quantities of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.
Kwara State Police operatives, supported by vigilantes, also responded swiftly to a distress call and overpowered suspected hoodlums. Three suspects were arrested, while two cutlasses and one locally made cut-to-size firearm were recovered.
Benue State recorded the largest number of arrests in the reported operations, with 46 suspects arrested over alleged unlawful obstruction during the movement of a VIP.
The suspects are currently undergoing interrogation, while the Police said further arrests are being pursued as investigations continue.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu, said the various operations demonstrate the Police Force’s continued commitment to protecting lives and property, dismantling criminal networks and restoring peace in communities affected by criminal activities.
The respective State Criminal Investigation Departments are handling investigations into the cases, while ongoing operations are targeting fleeing suspects, remaining kidnapped victims and other persons linked to the various crimes.
