Police Arrest 22 Suspects, Recover Firearms, Drugs In Nationwide Operations

The Nigeria Police Force has reported a series of operational successes across five states, including the foiling of a bandit attack on a police station in Benue, the arrest of suspected IPOB/ESN members in Imo and the recovery of firearms and illicit drugs in Akwa Ibom.

According to the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the operations were conducted between August 8 and 10, 2026.

In Benue State, police personnel attached to the Police Mobile Force repelled armed bandits who attacked the Jootar Police Station, where PMF personnel were residing.

The attackers reportedly opened fire on the station but were forced to flee after police responded with superior firepower.

Police said investigations indicated that the attackers intended to incapacitate the station before targeting influential persons in the area.

A civilian, identified as Mlanga Gbange, sustained a stray bullet injury to his leg and was taken to St Anthony Hospital, Zaki-Biam, for treatment. No police personnel was injured.

In Imo State, police operatives acting on intelligence raided a suspected hideout of the proscribed IPOB/ESN militia group at Odumara Orodo in Mbaitoli Local Government Area.

Eleven suspects were arrested, including 35-year-old Ugochukwu Okechukwu, while police recovered a bullet-proof vest allegedly fortified with charms and made of wood.

The police said preliminary investigations showed that two of the suspects were active members of the IPOB/ESN militia group, while four others were allegedly associating with the group.

In Anambra State, police commenced an investigation into the killing of an unidentified young man along Ezeiweka Road, Awada.

The victim was allegedly shot in the head by about five suspected cult members armed with pump-action guns and travelling in a tricycle.

He was confirmed dead on arrival at Borromeo Hospital, where his remains were deposited for autopsy. Police said efforts were ongoing to identify and arrest the fleeing suspects.

In Akwa Ibom State, police arrested suspected cultists and drug dealers in separate operations.

Seven suspects were arrested during a raid on suspected criminal hideouts following intelligence received by the Anti-Cultism Unit. Police said various illicit drugs, including suspected Indian hemp, Tramadol, Loud and Ice, were recovered.

In a separate operation at Ikot Ubok Udom Village, Nsit Atai Local Government Area, detectives arrested three suspected cultists and recovered a single-barrel gun and a pump-action gun during searches of their residences.

Police said a manhunt was ongoing for other fleeing suspects.

Meanwhile, in Ekiti State, police arrested a 40-year-old man, identified as Owoyemi Dele, over an alleged attempt to sexually assault a 96-year-old woman in Emure Ekiti.

The police said the suspect allegedly entered the victim’s room at about 1am and attempted to sexually assault her before striking her in the mouth when she raised an alarm.

Neighbours and local vigilantes reportedly apprehended the suspect before police arrived.

The victim was taken to General Hospital, Emure Ekiti, for medical attention, while the suspect was taken into police custody.

The Force said investigations into the various incidents were ongoing, with the relevant State Criminal Investigation Departments handling the cases.