Crack Down on Criminals: Police Arrest 44 Suspects, Rescue Five Kidnap Victims in Nationwide Operations

Crack Down on Criminals: Police Arrest 44 Suspects, Rescue Five Kidnap Victims in Nationwide Operations

By Our Reporter

Abuja (Core Reporters) — The Nigeria Police Force has announced the arrest of 44 suspects in connection with kidnapping, banditry, cultism, armed robbery, drug-related offences and other crimes during separate operations across the country.

The arrests, contained in the Force’s operational successes for October 6, 2026, also led to the rescue of five victims, recovery of firearms, ammunition, weapons, suspected illicit drugs, vehicles and other exhibits.

In Delta State, police operatives raided a suspected kidnappers’ and armed robbers’ hideout near Uduere Community in Ughelli North Local Government Area, arresting suspects after a gun duel.

The operation led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, two magazines, 55 rounds of live ammunition, a pump-action gun, seven live cartridges, a jackknife, cutlass, Android phone, suspected hard drugs and other items.

In Abia State, tactical operatives arrested three suspected kidnappers in Osisioma LGA and rescued an 18-year-old victim, identified as Ifeoma Obinna. Two daggers and the victim’s mobile phone were also recovered.

Police operatives in Sokoto State arrested two suspected bandit informants and terrorism financiers. The suspects were reportedly found with two motorcycles and 10 full jerrycans of petroleum products allegedly intended for supply to armed bandits.

The Police said the suspects were providing useful information that could assist efforts to track other members of their network.

In Anambra State, nine suspected cultists were arrested in Okpoko, with a locally-made firearm, live cartridge, charms, machete, beret and sword recovered from them.

Also, in Kano State, police arrested 13 suspects allegedly terrorising residents of Hotoro Mahautar Gabas. Recovered from the suspects were cutlasses, axes, sword, knives, hammer, hacksaws, sticks, sharp iron rods, assorted charms and other exhibits.

In Oyo State, three suspects, including a Customs officer, were arrested after police intercepted a Lexus GX 470 Jeep bearing a suspected fake registration number.

Police said 13 pieces of Canadian Loud, two bottles of Codeine, six wraps of Local Loud, Indian Hemp and other exhibits were recovered.

The Police also arrested a suspect after averting an imminent clash between supporters of two political candidates during a campaign programme in Kano State.

One suspect was arrested after three gunshots were reportedly fired from a vehicle, while police intervention restored normalcy.

In another operation in Oyo State, police arrested 25-year-old Abiodun Musibau Olalekan, who was allegedly found with a stolen phone following an armed robbery alert. A Bajaj motorcycle was also recovered, while efforts continued to apprehend his fleeing accomplice.

In Delta State, police investigations uncovered an alleged staged kidnapping involving 16-year-old Ifunanya Chiwetalu, allegedly designed to extort money from her family.

The victim was rescued at Ejeme-Unor Community and one suspect was arrested. Police recovered four live cartridges, two battle axes, a walkie-talkie, knife, two mobile phones, a joker face mask and other exhibits.

The Police said all the cases had been transferred to the respective State Criminal Investigation Departments for further investigation.

The Force

CSP Ani Iniedu

Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, said the operations reflected the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to disrupting criminal networks and protecting lives and property across the country.