The Nigeria Police Force has recorded significant operational successes across several states of the federation, arrested suspected armed robbers and drug traffickers, rescued kidnap victims, recovered firearms, stolen vehicles and rustled cattle, while foiled criminal attacks in coordinated operations carried out within the last 24 hours.
The nationwide operations, which cut across Rivers, Sokoto, Plateau, Nasarawa, Katsina, Benue states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), underscored the Force’s sustained offensive against violent crimes and other criminal activities.
In Rivers State, police operatives arrested a notorious armed robbery suspect, Kelvin Tamunu, also known as “Jagaplus,” during a raid on a criminal hideout at Abonnema Waterside in Port Harcourt. The suspect reportedly confessed to several armed robbery and burglary operations, including the attack and attempted murder of a retired police officer at Abacha Link Road, New GRA, Port Harcourt, on May 6, 2026. Two serviceable pump-action rifles and nine rounds of live cartridges were recovered during the operation, while efforts have been intensified to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang.
In Sokoto State, police operatives foiled an attack by suspected Lakurawa bandits on Ayawa Village in Tangaza Local Government Area. The bandits had rustled 11 cows before tactical teams, anti-kidnapping operatives and members of the Village Crime Reduction Unit engaged them in a gun battle, forcing them to abandon the animals and flee into a nearby forest. All the recovered cattle will be returned to their verified owners, while surveillance has been strengthened in the area.
Police in Plateau State also recorded a breakthrough with the recovery of a stolen 2022 Toyota Hilux, which was tracked to Bauchi State. Two suspects, Ibrahim Tijjani and Mohammed Umar, were arrested in connection with the vehicle theft and are currently assisting investigators.
In Nasarawa State, operatives successfully foiled a kidnapping attempt at Megona Filling Station along the Akwanga-Jos Road after engaging suspected kidnappers in a gun duel. The hoodlums fled into the bush under superior police firepower, while all kidnapped victims were rescued unharmed. Provisions looted from a nearby shop were also recovered, as joint security teams comprising the police, military, vigilantes and local hunters continue to comb surrounding forests in search of the fleeing suspects.
Along the Mashi-Birnin Kuka border in Katsina State, police intercepted and arrested a suspected trans-border drug trafficker, Ibrahim Usman, a 37-year-old resident of Tahoua State in the Republic of Niger. Twenty-eight blocks of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp were recovered from him. The suspect allegedly confessed to transporting the illicit consignment from Lagos State for distribution within Nigeria and neighbouring Niger Republic, while investigations continue to dismantle the supply network.
In the Federal Capital Territory, police arrested one Salihu Yusuf, who was found in possession of two rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition concealed in charms, suspected Indian hemp and assorted charms. The suspect, who claimed to be a dismissed soldier, failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for the items recovered from him. During separate operations, police also recovered a stolen BMW X6 and impounded a suspected stolen Mercedes-Benz E350.
Meanwhile, in Benue State, the Commissioner of Police, Cletus C.N. Nwadiogbu, led an intelligence-driven clearance operation in Ayilamo, Logo Local Government Area, where operatives uncovered a suspected bandits’ camp. Following a gun battle, the criminals fled into forests bordering Nasarawa and Taraba states, with no casualties recorded among the police team.
Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu, said all suspects and exhibits are in police custody while investigations continue. He reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to sustaining intelligence-led operations and collaborating with other security agencies to rid the country of criminal elements and ensure the safety of lives and property.
