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Coordinated nationwide operations across 17 security incidents led to the rescue of kidnapped students, an abducted child and other victims, dealing a significant blow to criminal gangs operating in several states.
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Police intercepted large caches of illegal arms and ammunition, recovering more than 1,100 rounds of live ammunition, multiple firearms, stolen vehicles and other exhibits linked to organised criminal networks.
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Scores of suspects connected to kidnapping, cultism, armed robbery, murder, child trafficking, illegal arms supply and communal violence were arrested as tactical teams intensified intelligence-led operations nationwide.
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The Force Headquarters said investigations remain active in all cases, with efforts ongoing to arrest fleeing accomplices, dismantle criminal syndicates and strengthen public safety across the country.
August 07, (THEWILL) — The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has recorded a series of operational successes across the country, rescuing kidnap victims, intercepting illegal arms and ammunition, arresting scores of criminal suspects and dismantling criminal hideouts in coordinated operations conducted between August 4 and August 6, 2026.
According to a nationwide operational summary released on Friday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the operations carried out by state police commands and tactical units, also resulted in the recovery of over 1,100 rounds of live ammunition, several firearms, stolen vehicles and other criminal exhibits.
One of the most notable breakthroughs occurred in Ogun State, where police operatives successfully rescued four kidnapped students unharmed. The victims were immediately taken for medical evaluation before arrangements for their reunion with their families.
Authorities, however, disclosed that efforts were continuing to secure the freedom of other victims believed to remain in captivity.
In a separate operation within the state, another kidnapped victim was rescued safely, while detectives launched a manhunt for the fleeing kidnappers. Both investigations are being handled by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Abeokuta.
In Jigawa State, police operatives rescued an abducted child from suspected human traffickers and arrested two suspects alleged to have conspired to sell the victim.
The command also recorded another major success after armed hoodlums engaged operatives in a gun duel.
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One suspect was neutralised during the exchange, while police recovered a suspect vehicle and other exhibits. Security operatives said they had intensified efforts to track down other fleeing gang members.
Weapons Recovery, Cult Raids Deepen Offensive Against Criminal Networks
The anti-crime campaign also yielded major breakthroughs against illegal arms trafficking and organised criminal groups.
In Sokoto State, police intercepted suspected gun runners allegedly transporting ammunition towards a forest corridor bordering the Niger Republic.
Two suspects were arrested during the operation, while officers recovered 870 rounds of 7.62×39mm live ammunition and a vehicle believed to have been used for the illegal movement of the consignment.
In another operation in the state, officers swiftly intercepted and recovered a stolen Toyota Corolla shortly after it was reported stolen, leading to the arrest of one suspect.
In neighbouring Nasarawa State, detectives arrested a suspect linked to the illegal transportation of 251 rounds of live AK-47 ammunition.
Police said investigations had revealed the existence of a wider criminal network, with efforts already underway to apprehend other members of the syndicate.
A separate joint operation involving police personnel and local vigilantes also resulted in the arrest of another suspect during stop-and-search operations. Officers recovered one Beretta pistol, a magazine and seven rounds of live ammunition.
In Ebonyi State, anti-kidnapping operatives arrested a suspect allegedly linked to an earlier kidnapping and suspected murder case.
During the operation, officers recovered two double-barrel guns and one single-barrel firearm, while investigations continue to identify and arrest other fleeing suspects.
The command also disrupted a suspected cult initiation ceremony, arresting 37 suspected cult members.
Police recovered two locally-made pistols, three live cartridges and other cult-related exhibits believed to have been used during the initiation exercise.
In Imo State, tactical teams stormed a suspected terrorist hideout, arresting six suspects and dismantling what police described as a criminal shrine.
Several suspected ritual charms and other incriminating exhibits were recovered from the location, while security operatives intensified efforts to apprehend fleeing members of the group.
In Ondo State, anti-kidnapping operatives arrested a suspected kidnapper during a bush-combing operation.
According to police, the suspect confessed to participating in kidnapping activities and provided useful intelligence that is aiding ongoing operations to dismantle the criminal gang.
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Benue State also recorded operational success after police and tactical teams restored calm following a communal crisis.
Authorities arrested 22 suspects believed to have played various roles in the violence, while confirming that no lives were lost due to the timely intervention of security operatives.
In Akwa Ibom State, detectives intercepted a suspected stolen minibus conveying 12 suspected cultists during stop-and-search operations.
A locally-made pistol and three live cartridges were recovered, with all the suspects taken into custody for further investigation.
In another raid within the state, police stormed a suspected cultists’ hideout, arresting five suspects and recovering a locally-made pistol, a Point-of-Sale (POS) machine, cash, suspected cannabis, charms and other exhibits believed to be connected to criminal activities.
In Oyo State, joint security operatives participating in Operation Gbamu arrested a suspected armed robber and recovered a locally-fabricated pistol.
Meanwhile, in Osun State, detectives arrested a murder suspect following a fatal assault that reportedly occurred after a confrontation.
Police disclosed that the suspect remains in custody while receiving medical treatment, with the State Criminal Investigation Department in Osogbo continuing investigations into the incident.
The Force Headquarters said all the cases remain under active investigation by the respective State Criminal Investigation Departments, while intelligence-led operations have been intensified to apprehend fleeing suspects, dismantle criminal syndicates and prevent further criminal activities.
The Police reiterated their commitment to protecting lives and property across the country, urging Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information that would aid ongoing efforts to combat crime and strengthen national security.
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