The Nigeria Police Force has recorded significant operational successes across several states of the federation, with the arrest of suspected terrorists, kidnappers, armed robbers, defilement suspects and animal rustlers, as well as the rescue of kidnap victims and recovery of firearms, ammunition, stolen livestock and other exhibits.
According to a state-by-state operational summary released on Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the operations, conducted between August 2 and 5, 2026, underscore the Force’s sustained efforts to combat crime and maintain public safety nationwide.
In Akwa Ibom State, police operatives raided a suspected criminal hideout in Esit Eket Local Government Area following credible intelligence, leading to the arrest of five suspects. Recovered from the hideout were a locally made pistol, a Point of Sale (POS) machine, a machete, ₦400,000 cash, suspected cannabis and local charms. The State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Uyo has commenced investigation.
In Enugu State, detectives arrested three suspects over the alleged defilement of a minor. The victim has been referred for medical examination and treatment, while the SCID in Enugu is handling the investigation.
In Imo State, police operatives dismantled a suspected terrorist hideout in Njaba Local Government Area and arrested six suspects, including a suspected terrorist native doctor. Criminal charms were recovered during the operation. The Command also arrested armed robbery suspects, recovered stolen motorcycles and a locally made pistol, while another suspect was apprehended with a locally made firearm.
Police in Jigawa State foiled an animal rustling operation after ambushing suspected rustlers and recovering all 25 stolen sheep. One suspect was arrested, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing suspects.
In Katsina State, tactical police teams engaged armed bandits in a gun duel, forcing them to retreat and restoring free movement along the affected route.
Joint security operatives in Kogi State successfully rescued four abducted victims during a bush-combing operation launched after an attack on a passenger bus. Security agencies have intensified border operations to rescue the remaining victims.
In Nasarawa State, police operatives arrested a suspect in possession of 20 rounds of live AK-47 ammunition. Investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other individuals connected to the recovered ammunition.
Police also recorded a major breakthrough in Oyo State with the arrest of a suspected kidnap kingpin linked to multiple abduction cases. Joint security personnel also rescued a kidnapped victim unharmed during coordinated search operations, while efforts continue to arrest other gang members.
In Ogun State, operatives recovered an English-made submachine gun (SMG) rifle and 75 rounds of live ammunition. The police also facilitated a peace meeting that resolved a communal dispute and restored normalcy to the affected community.
In Plateau State, sustained engagement and dialogue by the police led to the suspension of a planned protest by the “Take It Back Movement,” with security agencies maintaining surveillance to preserve peace.
Meanwhile, in Sokoto State, police tactical teams working with other security agencies successfully repelled bandit attacks in Shagari and Rabah Local Government Areas. The operation led to the recovery of 195 cows, 84 sheep, two camels and 171 other rustled animals, all of which are being returned to their rightful owners.
The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property through intelligence-driven policing and collaboration with other security agencies, while urging members of the public to continue supporting law enforcement with credible and timely information.
