The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has recorded significant operational successes across 11 states between July 27 and 29, 2026, with the arrest of suspected kidnappers, armed robbers and cultists, the rescue of kidnapped victims, and the recovery of firearms and ammunition in a sustained nationwide crackdown on criminal activities.
According to a state-by-state operational summary released by the Force Headquarters, Abuja, police tactical teams, acting on credible intelligence and coordinated operations, disrupted several criminal networks across the country.
In Anambra State, police operatives arrested two notorious kidnapping suspects, including a gang leader and the group’s armourer. The suspects reportedly confessed to participating in a previous kidnapping operation during which a ₦15 million ransom was collected. Police said investigations were ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang and recover additional firearms.
In Benue State, tactical police teams engaged armed bandits in a fierce gun battle following an attack by the criminals. Two bandits were neutralised during the operation, while an AK-47 rifle was recovered. Additional tactical teams have been deployed to recover rustled cattle and track down fleeing suspects.
A major breakthrough was also recorded in Plateau State, where police rescued kidnapped University of Jos lecturer, Professor Danbauchi Solomon, unharmed. The victim has since been reunited with his family, while efforts continue to arrest the kidnappers.
Similarly, in Niger State, police operatives arrested a suspect during a stop-and-search operation and recovered five AK-47 rifle magazines and 185 rounds of live ammunition. Investigators are working to recover the weapons linked to the ammunition and apprehend other suspects.
In Rivers State, police recorded multiple operational successes. Two additional kidnapping suspects were arrested, leading to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle and a submachine gun. In a separate operation, officers arrested a suspected armed robber and recovered a locally-made pistol, a live cartridge and a suspected stolen motorcycle.
In Kano State, police successfully rescued nine kidnapped victims after engaging armed bandits in a gun duel following an attack on a passenger bus. Search operations are continuing to rescue remaining victims and arrest the perpetrators.
Enugu State also witnessed multiple breakthroughs as police arrested two suspects in connection with the murder of a young man in Oji River. In another operation, two suspected cultists were apprehended, with a locally-made pistol recovered from them.
In Bayelsa State, police arrested a suspected armed robber and recovered two firearms, live ammunition, illicit drugs and other incriminating exhibits, while investigations continue to identify and arrest other gang members.
Police also arrested a prime suspect in Akwa Ibom State over alleged kidnapping, torture and cult-related offences. The suspect reportedly confessed to the crimes and admitted membership of a cult group. Investigators are pursuing other members of the syndicate and working to recover their operational weapons.
In Edo State, operatives arrested a suspected cultist and recovered a locally-made pistol during the operation.
Meanwhile, in Ogun State, a joint security operation involving the Nigeria Police Force, So-Safe Corps, OPC and Amotekun led to the successful rescue of a kidnapped victim, who was subsequently evacuated for medical treatment. Security agencies have intensified efforts to apprehend the fleeing kidnappers.
The Force Headquarters stated that all the cases have been transferred to the respective State Criminal Investigation Departments (SCIDs) for further investigation and prosecution.
The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across the country, assuring citizens that ongoing intelligence-led operations would continue to target criminal elements and enhance public safety nationwide.
