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The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), in collaboration with joint security tactical teams, has recorded significant breakthroughs across multiple state commands, rescuing several kidnapped victims, neutralizing violent criminals, and recovering a cache of military-grade firearms and illicit substances.
The operational report, released by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, details successful counter-insurgency and anti-crime drives conducted between August 27 and August 31, 2026.
Key Operational Highlights
Ogun State (Aug 29): Operatives rescued kidnap victim Usman Umar unharmed following an extensive forest search. A subsequent raid on the kidnappers’ hideout led to a gun duel in which two abductors were neutralized. Police recovered two AK-47 rifles, twenty-five rounds of 5.6mm live ammunition, and two mobile phones.
Sokoto State (Aug 29): A joint security operation involving Police tactical teams, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, VCRU, and military personnel foiled an impending bandit attack on Maikujera Village. Three bandits were neutralized during bush-combing, with one AK-47 rifle and 22 rounds of live ammunition recovered. No casualties were sustained by security personnel or residents.
Kano State (Aug 29): Tactical teams pursued bandits in Garun Mallam Town, successfully forcing them to abandon abducted victim Alh Yusif Nadabo. Tragically, three other individuals who sustained gunshot injuries during the initial assault succumbed to their wounds after being evacuated for treatment.
Abia State (Aug 30): VCRC operatives raided Okohia Forest in Ukwa West LGA following reports of hoodlums attempting to set up a camp. The suspects fled, leaving behind a locally made pistol, 40 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, two rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, four empty magazines, military camouflage, and illicit drugs.
Lagos State (Aug 29): Intelligence-led operations led to the arrest of three suspected armed robbers and carjackers. Operatives recovered two loaded locally made pistols, a revolver loaded with 9mm ammunition, and eight live rounds.
Taraba & Plateau States: Rescues were executed in both sectors. In Taraba, PMF and Highway Patrol teams rescued 55-year-old Alidoo Cecilia Ityo and her infant granddaughter unharmed, recovering an abandoned getaway vehicle. In Plateau, joint forces and local hunters rescued Pastor Dipat Gabriel Joseph, who had been abducted in Bokkos.
State-by-State Breakdown
All suspects in custody are currently undergoing interrogation, while dedicated State Criminal Investigation Departments (SCIDs) continue search and rescue operations for remaining victims and fleeing gang members across the affected states.
The Force Headquarters reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining high-visibility patrols, intelligence-driven operations, and inter-agency collaboration to dismantle criminal networks across the federation.
