Police neutralise four bandits, rescue seven kidnap victims, arrest 13 suspects 

Four suspected armed bandits have been neutralised, seven kidnapped victims rescued and 13 suspects arrested in separate police operations across the country, the Nigeria Police Force has disclosed. 

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, disclosed this in the State-by-State Executive Summary of Police operational successes issued on Sunday, September 13, 2026.

The operations, he revealed conducted on September 11 and 12, also led to the recovery of a locally crafted AK-47 rifle, 35 rustled cattle, ₦1.5 million ransom and a stolen vehicle valued at ₦8.5 million.

According to him, in Kwara State, four suspected bandits were neutralised on September 11 after a joint team of police operatives, military personnel, forest guards and vigilantes engaged them in a gun duel.

In Ondo State, Iniedu said police operatives and other security personnel engaged suspected kidnappers in a gun battle on September 11, forcing the assailants to flee into the forest with gunshot wounds.

PRO disclosed that two kidnapped victims were rescued unharmed, while ₦1.5 million ransom was recovered.

Also on September 11, the Force spokesman stated that Police Tactical Team in Katsina State engaged suspected bandits in a gun duel, forcing them to abandon five kidnapped victims and flee into the bush.

All five victims were rescued unharmed.

Beyond the anti-banditry and kidnapping operations, the statement said police reported 13 arrests across Taraba, Bauchi, Kogi, Nasarawa, Katsina, Cross River and Gombe States over alleged offences including culpable homicide, rape, attempted firearm sale, car theft, murder and armed robbery.

The Force further stated that the various cases are being investigated by the respective State Criminal Investigation Departments.