Police Arrest Suspected Kidnappers, Robbery Suspect, Others in 8 States

The Nigeria Police Force has reported a series of arrests and recoveries across several states as part of its ongoing operations against kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, sexual offences and other criminal activities.

According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the operational successes recorded between September 17 and 20, 2026, covered Oyo, Kogi, Kano, Delta, Cross River, Nasarawa, Gombe and Bayelsa states.

In Oyo State, police operatives acting on credible intelligence arrested a suspected member of a kidnapping syndicate at Kanbi Village in Atisbo Local Government Area on September 18. Two other suspects were also arrested for allegedly concealing kidnapping activities.

The police also arrested a serving Air Force personnel in connection with an alleged armed robbery and abduction incident in Ibadan on September 17. A blue Toyota Camry allegedly used during the operation was recovered.

Both cases are being investigated by the State Criminal Investigation Department in Ibadan.

In Kogi State, police detectives arrested a suspect following a fatal shooting at Ohunene Community in Ajaokuta LGA on September 19. A barrel gun allegedly linked to the incident was recovered.

Another suspect was arrested in Anyigba, Dekina LGA, following a reported case of a missing person. Both cases are being investigated by the SCID in Lokoja.

In Kano State, police arrested a female suspect in connection with the death of her husband at Katsalle Quarters in Rogo LGA. The case is being investigated by the SCID Kano.

Delta State recorded multiple arrests, including two separate cases involving alleged defilement. In one incident, a suspect was arrested in connection with the alleged defilement of a minor in Ughelli South LGA, while in another case, police arrested a suspect over the alleged defilement of an eight-year-old girl at Okwagbe Waterside Community.

The two victims were taken to hospitals for medical examination and treatment, with the eight-year-old girl conveyed to General Hospital, Otu-Jeremi.

Police in Oyo also arrested a suspect over the alleged sexual assault of a three-year-old girl in Saki. A blood-stained boxer short and a Panasonic tape were recovered as exhibits, while the victim was taken to a hospital for medical care.

In Cross River State, police operatives and the Vigilance and Community Relations Unit tracked and arrested a suspect following the circulation of a viral video allegedly showing a cult-related firearm discharge within Calabar metropolis.

Delta State police also raided a suspected criminal black spot at Umusadege, Kwale, in Ndokwa West LGA, in collaboration with community vigilantes. Three suspects were arrested over alleged drug trafficking and cult-related activities.

Meanwhile, police in Nasarawa State recovered and impounded a white Toyota Camry allegedly involved in a fatal road traffic incident at Gudi, Akwanga LGA.

In Gombe State, crime scene detectives secured the scene of a suspected culpable homicide at Duggari Hills in Yamaltu-Deba LGA and recovered a blood-stained machete as an exhibit.

Bayelsa State police, on September 20, moved a murder suspect to the SCID in Yenagoa for protective custody following community unrest at Ebedebiri, Sagbama LGA.

The police said tactical teams were also deployed to the community to restore law and order.

The Force said the cases remain under investigation at the respective State Criminal Investigation Departments.