The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a series of operational successes across 15 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), including the neutralisation of suspected bandits and kidnappers, rescued of two kidnapped victims, arrest of criminal suspects and recovery of firearms, ammunition, illicit drugs and stolen motorcycles.
In Benue State, police operatives conducting search and rescue operations along the Otukpo-Adoka Road came under attack by suspected bandits in Amla Icho Forest, Otukpo Local Government Area, on August 16. During the ensuing gun duel, one suspected bandit was neutralised, while an AK-47 rifle and three rounds of live ammunition were recovered.
In Delta State, police operatives recovered a locally made single-barrel gun suspected to have been used in a murder in Agbarho. In a separate operation, 18 suspected cultists were arrested following a raid on a criminal hideout, with large quantities of suspected illicit drugs, including tramadol and codeine, recovered.
Police operatives also intercepted a motorcycle carrying suspicious persons during a visibility patrol in GRA, Ughelli. The occupants fled into the bush, abandoning a bag containing a locally made cut-to-size firearm, three mobile phones, a National Identity Card, two ATM cards and other items.
In Enugu State, three suspected drug dealers were arrested during a raid on a suspected criminal black spot in Ogui. Recovered exhibits included 158 sachets of suspected cannabis, 136 sachets of suspected “Colos”, 136 sachets of suspected crystal methamphetamine, cash and other items.
In the FCT, three suspects were arrested in connection with a fatal incident at Rockville Estate, Dawaki, while in Gombe State, police arrested a suspect at BCJ Quarters and recovered a locally fabricated rifle.
A major success was recorded in Imo State, where police operatives located a kidnappers’ hideout in a forest between Amakohia Ubi and Okuku. Two suspected kidnappers were neutralised during a gun duel, while others escaped with suspected gunshot injuries. The two kidnapped victims were rescued unharmed, and a locally made firearm, empty AK-47 magazine, machete, dagger, mobile phone, identity cards and ATM cards were recovered.
In Katsina State, police tactical teams repelled an attack by armed bandits at Ilallah Village, Dandume Local Government Area, forcing the attackers to flee into the bush with suspected gunshot injuries.
In Kano State, a suspect was arrested at the scene of a shooting incident during a wedding ceremony at Tudun Yola Bajallabe, with the firearm allegedly used in the incident recovered.
Nasarawa State also recorded the arrest of several suspected armed robbery suspects following a raid on a suspected hideout along Ambana Road, Lafia. Two stolen Bajaj motorcycles, four number plates, two riders’ vests and a club allegedly used during the robbery were recovered.
In Oyo State, a suspected member of a criminal syndicate was arrested at Soka, Ibadan. Police recovered a locally fabricated pistol, a long single-barrel gun, nine rounds of 9mm live ammunition and nine live cartridges.
Two suspects were arrested in Ogun State following information about a person allegedly in possession of live rifle ammunition. The arrest of the second suspect followed information provided by the first, while the ammunition was recovered as an exhibit.
Sokoto State recorded two significant operational successes. Police tactical teams foiled an attempted bandit attack on Dankadu Village, Illela Local Government Area, neutralised two suspected bandits and recovered two AK-47 rifles, two magazines and 54 rounds of live ammunition. No casualties were recorded among the security teams or villagers.
In a separate operation in Sokoto metropolis, three suspected members of a motorcycle theft syndicate were arrested in Kwannawa and Tamaje areas. Five stolen motorcycles and a fabricated pistol were recovered.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, ANIPR, said the operational outcomes reflected the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to protecting lives and property and sustaining pressure on criminal elements across the country.
He reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to intelligence-led policing, rapid response and coordinated operations to deny criminals the space to perpetrate violent crimes.
All the cases are currently under investigation by the respective State Criminal Investigation Departments (SCIDs).
