Police Foil Assassination Attempt, Arrest 14 Suspects Across 10 States

The Nigeria Police Force says its operatives have foiled a suspected assassination attempt, arrested suspected kidnappers, armed robbers and cultists, and recovered several firearms and other exhibits across 10 states.

The Force disclosed this in its State-by-State Executive Summary of Operational Successes for September 16, 2026, signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, ANIPR.

In Rivers State, police operatives reportedly foiled a suspected targeted assassination attempt during a routine patrol along Kaani, Bori, in Khana Local Government Area, on September 15.

According to the police, the suspects abandoned an AK-47 rifle loaded with two rounds of live ammunition and fled the scene. The case is being investigated by the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Port Harcourt.

In Kano State, operatives arrested a suspected kidnapper and alleged gang leader of an armed criminal syndicate said to be operating across Kano, Katsina and Kaduna states.

The police said the suspect confessed to involvement in multiple kidnapping and cattle-rustling operations and provided information expected to assist investigators in apprehending other members of the syndicate and recovering operational firearms.

In Ogun State, police operatives working with personnel of the So-Safe Corps intercepted a suspicious motorcycle conveying a bag along Success Community Road, Atan-Ota, in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area.

The police said the motorcycle was abandoned and a search of the bag led to the recovery of a cut-to-size AK-47 rifle, a Russian single-barrel gun, an unserviceable Browning pistol, two live cartridges, an empty magazine and burglary tools.

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Meanwhile, in Lagos State, police arrested one of the suspects allegedly linked to an armed robbery incident in Ajah on September 12.

One locally made pistol with a live cartridge, eight sachets of Tramadol, Indian hemp, charms and other exhibits were recovered, according to the police.

In Akwa Ibom State, operatives arrested a suspected armed robber following a distress call at Ikot Ekweng Village, Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area.

A search of the suspect’s residence reportedly led to the recovery of two locally made pistols and two machetes.

The police also reported two separate arrests in Nasarawa State involving suspected culpable homicide.

Three suspects were arrested following a follow-up manhunt linked to an earlier violent attack at Bukan Ari, Doma Local Government Area, while another suspect was arrested in connection with a reported case of culpable homicide at Kurum Village, Azara, also in Doma LGA.

In Imo State, police operatives intercepted and arrested an armed suspect during a vehicular patrol along Ifakala, Mbaitoli Local Government Area.

A locally made pistol loaded with one round of live ammunition was recovered from the suspect, the police said.

In Ekiti State, two suspected cultists were arrested at Olorunsogo Zone 4, Ado-Ekiti, following credible intelligence.

The police said a simulated plastic firearm, a Lexus 350 suspected to be proceeds of crime and substances suspected to be charms were recovered from the suspects.

In Oyo State, operatives also arrested a suspect in connection with a case of assault occasioning harm at Eruwa, Ibarapa East Local Government Area.

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

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, issued the operational update from the Force Headquarters in Abuja.