Police
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has recorded significant achievements across the country between October 21 and 22, 2026, arresting at least 34 criminal suspects, dismantling armed syndicates, rescuing kidnapped victims, and recovering illegal firearms, stolen vehicles, and illicit drugs.
In an official statement released from Force Headquarters in Abuja, Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, detailed a series of intelligence-led operations, tactical raids, and successful combat engagements executed by various state commands and specialized units.
Key Highlights of Operational Successes
Anti-Kidnapping & Banditry Operations
Kano State: Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad raided Bawaje Forest in Bebeji Local Government Area (LGA), arresting seven suspects. Police recovered an AK-47 rifle (Breech No. 9490) with 18 rounds of live ammunition, two motorcycles, 33 cows, 30 sheep, and ₦730,500 in suspected kidnap ransom money.
Zamfara State: Joint security teams successfully rescued Labaran Bawa unhurt in Maguru Village, Kaura Namoda LGA. In a separate engagement at Ruwan Doruwa Village in Maru LGA, operatives neutralized one bandit during a gun duel, forcing others to flee into the forest.
Delta State: Police and local volunteer groups conducted extensive bush-combing operations, successfully rescuing 23-year-old Thomas Bright Uche unhurt.
Kebbi State: Police Mobile Force (PMF) personnel on patrol in Illo repelled a heavy assault by armed Mamudawa terrorists.
The attackers retreated into the bush with gunshot injuries. Inspector Samaila Bala and a civilian, Okashatu Umar, sustained injuries during the encounter and are receiving medical care at General Hospital, Illo.
Niger State: Mobilized police teams repelled an invasion by armed bandits at Tugan Karo Village in Mashegu LGA, placing joint security forces on high alert as tracking operations continue.
Lagos State: Tactical operatives busted a car theft syndicate, arresting Abayomi Shuaibu (31) and an alleged receiver, Salisu Abdulazeez, at Satellite Area. Three vehicles, a Toyota Camry, a Toyota Corolla (Reg No. SMK-312-JN), and a Hyundai Sonata were recovered.
Additionally, a stop-and-search at Iyana Isashi led to the arrest of 24-year-old suspected cultist Lukman Sanni, who was found with a loaded pistol.
Kogi State: Under Operation Order No. 25/2026, joint forces led by the Area Commander Ajaokuta raided cult hideouts, arresting 12 suspects now undergoing investigation at VCRU Lokoja.
Imo State: Following a distress call, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and DPO Ikeduru raided an uncompleted building in Obinekele Amata, arresting Prosper Victor (27). Victor, who confessed to membership in the Neo Black Movement (Black Axe), was caught with a revolver pistol, ammunition, hard drugs, and charms.
Ebonyi State: Detectives raided Isimkpuma Okpoto Forest in Ishielu LGA, arresting 30-year-old Iseh Ndubuisi and recovering a double-barrelled pistol. Ndubuisi is linked to robberies along the Abakaliki/Okpoto/Enugu Express Road.
Delta State: The Special Anti-Kidnapping Unit (SAKU) raided the home of Richard Nmorsi (62) in Ekuku-Agbor Community, recovering a single-barrelled firearm, 24 live cartridges, and suspected Indian hemp.
Bayelsa State: A routine stop-and-search along Mbiama–Yenagoa Road led to the arrest of Abi Daniel (17) and Doctor Fabor (21) with a locally fabricated Beretta pistol.
Gombe State: Detectives apprehended Zainab Usman Kachalla (18), Musa Mohammed (25), and Auwalu Suleiman (23) for conspiring in an armed robbery that dispossessed a victim of ₦250,000 cash and a high-end mobile phone.
Violent Crime Arrests in Ebonyi State
Homicide: Operatives in Ikwo LGA arrested Nweke Sunday (35) for allegedly murdering his 71-year-old grandmother, Mrs. Nkwuda Edeukwu, by striking her with a pestle.
Attempted Murder: Police tracked down and arrested Ebuka Alfred after he assaulted a six-month-old infant and stabbed two individuals with a kitchen knife. The victims are undergoing emergency treatment at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki.
State Primary Success Key Recoveries / Outcome Investigating Body
Kano 7 Suspects Arrested AK-47, 18 rounds, 2 motorcycles, livestock, ₦730k cash SCID Bompa
Kogi 12 Cult Suspects Arrested Hideout flushed out during joint operation VCRU Lokoja
Zamfara Rescued 1 Victim / 1 Bandit Neutralized Victim reunited with family; gun battle won SCID Gusau
Delta Search Warrant Executed / Victim Rescued 1 firearm, 24 cartridges, suspected Indian hemp SCID Asaba
Lagos Car Syndicate Busted / Cultist Arrested 3 stolen vehicles, 1 loaded pistol SCID Panti
Imo ESN/Cultist Arrested Revolver pistol, ammunition, drugs, charms SCID Owerri
Ebonyi Robbery Suspect & Homicide Arrests Double-barrelled pistol, arrests in murder/assault SCID Abakaliki
Bayelsa 2 Suspects Arrested 1 Beretta pistol SCID Yenagoa
Kebbi Repelled Mamudawa Terrorists Terrorists fled with gunshot wounds SCID Birnin Kebbi
Gombe 3 Robbery Suspects Arrested Cash and stolen mobile phone linked SCID Gombe
Niger Repelled Bandits Attack Terrorists repelled at Tugan Karo Village SCID Minna
The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to securing lives and property nationwide, confirming that comprehensive investigations and manhunts for fleeing suspects across all cases are actively being conducted by State Criminal Investigation Departments (SCIDs).
