Police Foil Kidnap, Bandit Attacks, Arrest 35 Suspects Across States

The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a series of operational successes across several states, including the foiling of a planned kidnapping operation, prevention of an armed bandit attack, arrests of suspected cultists and recovery of firearms and stolen vehicles.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, disclosed this in the State-by-State Executive Summary of the Police Force’s operational successes recorded between August 7 and September 8, 2026.

In Akwa Ibom State, police tactical teams and Marine operatives, acting on credible intelligence about a planned kidnapping operation along the Oron waterways, raided a suspected kidnappers’ camp at Mma Adiaha Creek on September 8.

The suspects reportedly fled upon sighting the operatives, who recovered an English pump-action gun with two live cartridges, two speedboats and four outboard engines. The State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Uyo, is investigating the case.

In Katsina State, police and military personnel foiled an attack by suspected armed bandits along Kurami Road on September 7.

The joint team responded swiftly after an ambush and engaged the attackers, forcing them to flee into the bush. One victim was rescued unhurt, while another subsequently returned safely to his residence.

The attacked vehicle, which had eight bullet holes and deflated tyres, was also recovered, while the SCID, Katsina, continues investigation.

In Delta State, police operatives raided a suspected criminal meeting at Pleasure Bush Bar, Aragba-Orogun, based on credible intelligence and arrested eight suspected cultists.

A search of one of the suspects’ residences led to the recovery of a pump-action gun, one live cartridge and five mobile phones. The SCID, Asaba, is investigating.

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The Delta Command also arrested a principal suspect in connection with the death of an 87-year-old woman following an alleged assault. Police said efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing accomplices.

In the Federal Capital Territory, police operatives recovered a Hyundai saloon car reportedly stolen in Lagos State and arrested two suspects in connection with the case.

The vehicle was traced to Lugbe following credible information, leading to the deployment of a surveillance team that arrested a suspect found in possession of the car. A second suspect was subsequently arrested, while the CID, Abuja, continues investigation.

In Ebonyi State, police operatives acting on intelligence about a suspected criminal gathering at Kpirikpiri stormed the location, forcing suspects to flee and abandon a bag.

The police recovered a locally-made pistol loaded with one round of 9mm live ammunition and a mobile phone belonging to a robbery victim. One suspect was arrested and the SCID, Abakaliki, is investigating.

In Ekiti State, two suspects were arrested following a distress call over the stabbing of a man at Oke Ureje, Ado-Ekiti.

The victim, who sustained injuries from a broken bottle, was evacuated to a hospital and is receiving treatment in stable condition. The SCID, Ado-Ekiti, is investigating.

In Kaduna State, police operatives on routine patrol along the Kaduna-Kachia Highway intercepted two suspiciously conveyed vehicles and arrested two suspects.

The two vehicles were recovered and impounded for investigation by the SCID, Kaduna.

In Benue State, police tactical teams deployed to the Makurdi-Gboko Highway following a communal disturbance dismantled a road barricade and arrested three suspects.

The command also activated security measures to prevent further escalation and restore normalcy along the highway.

In Ogun State, police detectives commenced investigation after an armed robbery involving the theft of a motorcycle and mobile phones valued at ₦4.75 million.

The SCID, Eleweran, has activated efforts to track the stolen mobile phones and apprehend the suspects.

The Force said investigations into the various incidents were ongoing, with efforts being made to apprehend fleeing suspects and other members of criminal syndicates.

The police urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide credible information to security agencies to support ongoing operations.

CSP Iniedu reiterated the Force’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the country under its message: “Police Is Your Friend” and “Citizens Are The Boss.”