IGP Disu’s Anti-Crime Crusade Yields Results as Police Rescue Kidnap Victims, Arrest Suspects Nationwide

IGP Disu’s Anti-Crime Crusade Yields Results as Police Rescue Kidnap Victims, Arrest Suspects Nationwide

By Raphael Ekpang

Abuja (Core Reporters) – The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) says its intensified nationwide anti-crime operations under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, continue to record significant successes, with the rescue of kidnap victims, arrests of suspected criminals, and recovery of firearms and ammunition across several states.

A state-by-state operational summary released by the Force Headquarters on Friday, August 7, highlighted breakthroughs recorded between August 4 and 6, 2026, underscoring the Force’s sustained offensive against kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, illegal arms trafficking, and other violent crimes.

Among the major achievements was the rescue of four kidnapped students in Ogun State. The victims were recovered unharmed and are currently receiving medical attention ahead of reunification with their families, while efforts continue to free other captives still in the kidnappers’ custody.

Police operatives also rescued another kidnap victim in Ogun State, arrested a suspected kidnapper during a bush-combing operation in Ondo State, and apprehended suspects linked to child trafficking in Jigawa State after successfully rescuing an abducted child.

The anti-crime operations further disrupted illegal arms trafficking networks. In Sokoto State, police intercepted suspected gun runners heading toward a forest bordering the Niger Republic and arrested two suspects. A total of 870 rounds of 7.62×39mm live ammunition and a vehicle were recovered.

Similarly, in Nasarawa State, operatives arrested a suspect allegedly linked to the illegal transportation of 251 rounds of AK-47 ammunition, while another operation led to the recovery of a Beretta pistol, a magazine, and seven rounds of live ammunition.

The Force also intensified its crackdown on cult-related activities. In Ebonyi State, anti-kidnapping operatives arrested 37 suspected cultists during a raid on an initiation ceremony, recovering locally made pistols and live cartridges. Separate operations in Akwa Ibom State resulted in the arrest of 17 suspected cultists and the recovery of firearms, charms, cash, cannabis, and other incriminating exhibits.

In Imo State, police dismantled a suspected terrorist hideout, arresting six suspects and destroying a criminal shrine believed to have been used for illegal activities.

Other notable successes included the arrest of a murder suspect in Osun State, the recovery of stolen vehicles in Sokoto State, the arrest of an armed robbery suspect in Oyo State, and the apprehension of 22 suspects following a communal clash in Benue State, where police intervention restored normalcy without any loss of life.

The Force also recorded progress in Ebonyi State with the arrest of a suspect linked to an earlier kidnapping and suspected murder, recovering three firearms during the operation.

According to the Police, all cases have been transferred to the respective State Criminal Investigation Departments (SCIDs) for comprehensive investigations, while efforts are ongoing to arrest fleeing suspects and dismantle criminal syndicates.

The latest operational successes reflect the Nigeria Police Force’s renewed determination under IGP Disu to sustain aggressive intelligence-led policing, strengthen collaboration with other security agencies and local vigilante groups, and ensure the safety of lives and property across the country.

A statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu said the Force reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigerians and urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information capable of preventing crime and enhancing public safety.