The Nigeria Police Force has recorded major operational breakthroughs across the country, arrested scores of suspected kidnappers, armed robbers, cultists and terrorist collaborators, while recovering a cache of firearms, ammunition and rescuing several kidnap victims in a series of coordinated operations conducted between July 31 and August 2, 2026.
The nationwide operations, coordinated through various State Police Commands, underscore the Force’s sustained offensive against violent crimes and criminal networks threatening public safety.
According to a state-by-state operational summary released by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, police operatives made one of the most significant recoveries in Nasarawa State, where two female suspects were intercepted while transporting 551 rounds of live AK-47 ammunition. Officers also recovered 10 loaded AK-47 magazines and additional rounds of ammunition. The suspects reportedly confessed during interrogation, while detectives at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Lafia have expanded investigations to dismantle the wider arms trafficking network.
In Anambra State, detectives arrested a notorious kidnapping and armed robbery suspect linked to several abduction operations across the state. Police recovered mobile phones containing incriminating videos and operational voice notes believed to have been used in coordinating criminal activities.
In Rivers State, police arrested three suspected cultists in connection with the killing of two police officers during an earlier attack. The operation led to the recovery of two Police AK-47 rifles stolen during the incident, while efforts have been intensified to apprehend another fleeing gang member.
A major breakthrough was also recorded in Imo State, where operatives arrested a suspected native doctor allegedly linked to IPOB/ESN terrorist activities. Another suspected cultist was apprehended during a raid on a cult initiation camp, with officers recovering two Beretta pistols, one locally made pistol and live ammunition.
In Kaduna State, police rescued a kidnapped motor boy unharmed after engaging suspected bandits in a gun battle. The victim was reunited with the truck driver, while security operatives continue efforts to recover the stolen vehicle and arrest the fleeing criminals.
Similarly, a joint security team in Kogi State rescued four kidnapped victims during bush-combing operations. The victims have since been reunited with their families as security agencies intensify the manhunt for the abductors.
Police also recorded notable successes in Ebonyi State, where eight suspects were arrested in separate operations. Officers recovered locally made firearms, live cartridges and a suspected stolen vehicle during operations targeting armed robbers and fleeing IPOB/ESN elements.
In Akwa Ibom State, operatives raided a criminal hideout, arresting four suspects and recovering large quantities of suspected illicit drugs. Two additional suspects were also arrested in connection with a high-profile kidnapping investigation.
Delta State witnessed multiple breakthroughs, including the arrest of a suspect allegedly planning a kidnapping operation. Police recovered a firearm and live cartridges, while three suspected cultists were arrested with dangerous weapons. In a separate operation, detectives apprehended four armed robbery suspects and recovered two pump-action guns alongside three suspected stolen motorcycles.
In Enugu State, five suspects were arrested with firearms, live cartridges and motorcycles during a joint security operation. Security operatives also rescued an abducted church official, while search operations continue to secure the release of other victims.
Other operations saw police arrest two armed robbery suspects in Lagos State with a locally made Dane gun and live cartridges recovered. In Ogun State, detectives arrested 17 suspected cultists during a raid on an initiation gathering and recovered a firearm as well as a stolen Toyota Camry.
In Ekiti State, six suspected cultists were arrested during a raid on a secret gathering, while police recovered a vehicle and other incriminating exhibits.
Joint security forces in Zamfara State neutralised several bandits during a fierce gun battle and arrested a suspect allegedly conveying communication gadgets to criminal groups operating in the state.
Police in Taraba State also arrested a suspected kidnapper linked to a notorious criminal gang, while in Borno State, combined security forces successfully repelled a terrorist attack on a local government secretariat, restoring normalcy before commencing clearance operations to track fleeing terrorists.
CSP Ani Iniedu said investigations into the various cases are ongoing at the respective State Criminal Investigation Departments across the affected states, while efforts have been intensified to arrest fleeing suspects and dismantle criminal syndicates.
He reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property and urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to strengthen the fight against crime nationwide.
