Police
The Nigeria Police Force has tracked down multiple criminal networks, arresting at least 25 suspects and recovering a stolen child alongside illegally imported firearms and tactical equipment during a intensive 48-hour nationwide operational sweep between October 27 and 28, 2026.
The operational breakdown, released on Wednesday by Chief Superintendent of Police Ani Iniedu on behalf of the Force Public Relations Office in Abuja, spans key interventions across 13 states in anti-kidnapping, counter-terrorism, homicide, and child protection efforts.
In Niger State, security forces intensified search-and-rescue operations following an ambush in which 29 females and a male child were abducted.
Eleven of the female victims managed to escape the kidnappers’ hold during tactical pressure by security forces.
The State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Minna has taken over the investigation to rescue the remaining hostages and apprehend the abductors.
In Adamawa State, joint security forces launched a swift counter-offensive against fleeing Boko Haram insurgents following an attack on local communities.
Official reports indicate several terrorists sustained critical injuries during the operational engagement, successfully restoring calm to the affected settlements.
Child Rescue (Enugu State): Police operatives successfully tracked down and recovered a stolen child, reuniting the minor with their family while taking the prime suspect into custody.
Homicide & Shallow Grave Exhumation (Edo, Ondo, Niger, & Cross River): Four suspects were arrested for murder in Ondo, six suspects were detained for culpable homicide in Niger State, and two suspects were picked up in Cross River.
In Benin City, Edo State, police teams exhumed a victim’s body from a shallow grave in the Utekon area, depositing the remains at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) mortuary for autopsy.
Religious Incitement Arrest (Zamfara State): Police apprehended Umar Ibrahim Gandi Maradun following a viral video where he allegedly incited religious violence and called for the killing of Christians.
He is slated for immediate court prosecution upon the conclusion of investigations.
The Lagos State Police Command handled multiple critical incidents over the two-day period:
Weapons Interception (Apapa): Four UX steel BB .177 air pistols, a plastic replica training gun, and two CO2 Umarex canister chargers were intercepted and handed over to Ports CID, Apapa, for ballistic examination.
Attempted Murder Rescue: Operatives responded to an attempted murder scene involving an alleged police officer, rescuing the victim and recovering a jackknife.
Mob Rescue (Panti): Operatives intervened to save a shop-breaking suspect from being lynched by an angry mob, transferring the suspect for medical care ahead of interrogation.
In other state commands, police arrested a 32-year-old rape suspect in Nasarawa State, recovered a stolen Toyota RAV4 (Reg: HTE-23-AE) in Anambra State, and peacefully restored public order in Kwara State after aggrieved youths barricaded the Federal Housing Estate Junction following a domestic fire outbreak.
The Force Headquarters confirmed that all cases have been transferred to their respective State Criminal Investigation Departments (SCIDs) for further prosecution.
