Police Arrest 12 Suspects, Neutralise Five Bandits, Rescue Kidnap Victims 

Police Arrest 12 Suspects, Neutralise Five Bandits, Rescue Kidnap Victims

By Our Security Correspondent

Abuja (Abuja Core Reporters) The Nigeria Police Force has arrested at least 12 suspected criminals and neutralised five suspected bandits and kidnappers in separate operations across several states, while rescuing kidnapped victims and recovering firearms, ammunition and other criminal exhibits.

The operations, conducted between August 27 and 31, 2026, also led to the disruption of suspected kidnapping, armed robbery, cattle rustling, drug trafficking and other criminal activities.

The State-by-State Executive Summary of Police Operational Successes, released by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, ANIPR, showed that the arrests were recorded in Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Delta and Akwa Ibom states, while suspects were also neutralised in Ogun and Sokoto.

OYO: Five Suspected Kidnappers Arrested

Oyo State recorded the highest number of arrests, with five suspected kidnappers apprehended in two separate operations.

Following the abduction of nine-year-old Shittu Ridwan, combined security teams arrested four suspects, including Amadu Soliu, 21, after combing surrounding bushes. Four expended cartridges were recovered, while search operations continue for the victim and other suspects.

In another operation, Police operatives on Operation Velvet intercepted Ali Betau, 27, along Igbope/Igbeti Road. Phone records allegedly linked him to a wanted kidnapper, while four ATM cards were recovered from him. A kidnapping victim also positively identified him as a participant in her abduction.

Status: SCID Ibadan investigating.

LAGOS: Three Suspected Armed Robbers Arrested

Police tactical operatives in Lagos tracked and arrested three suspected members of an armed robbery and carjacking syndicate following credible intelligence.

Two locally made pistols loaded with five cartridges and a locally made revolver pistol loaded with three rounds of 9mm ammunition were recovered.

Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate.

Status: SCID Ikeja investigating.

OGUN: Suspect Arrested, Two Kidnappers Neutralised

In Ogun State, Police detectives arrested Biola Adeokola in connection with the fatal attack on Adeyemi Adegoke at Arigbajo. Search operations are ongoing to apprehend fleeing accomplices.

In a separate operation, Police operatives rescued kidnapped victim Usman Umar unhurt before storming the kidnappers’ hideout. Two suspected kidnappers were neutralised in a gun duel, while others reportedly escaped with bullet wounds.

Two AK-47 rifles, 25 rounds of ammunition and two mobile phones were recovered.

Status: SCID Eleweran investigating.

DELTA: Suspect Arrested With Firearm

Police operatives on patrol along Mariam Babagida Road, Asaba, arrested Ossai Price, 33, who was allegedly dressed in a Special Forces uniform.

A locally fabricated pump-action gun resembling an AK-47 rifle, loaded with four live cartridges, was recovered from him.

Status: SCID Asaba investigating.

AKWA IBOM: Two Suspected Drug Dealers Arrested

Following credible intelligence, Police operatives raided a suspected criminal hideout at Ikot Edong Village, Uyo LGA, where Moses Dominic Okon and Kufre Essien Okon were arrested.

A large quantity of substances suspected to be Indian hemp was recovered.

Status: SCID Uyo investigating.

SOKOTO: Three Bandits Neutralised

In Sokoto State, Police tactical teams, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, VCRU and military personnel intercepted armed bandits moving towards Maikujera Village.

Three bandits were neutralised during subsequent bush-combing operations, while others fled with casualties. One AK-47 rifle and 22 rounds of live ammunition were recovered.

No casualties were recorded among security personnel or villagers.

Other Operational Gains

In Taraba State, Police rescued 55-year-old Alidoo Cecilia Ityo and her granddaughter, who had been kidnapped, and recovered a Toyota Corolla abandoned by the kidnappers.

In Plateau State, a combined security team rescued kidnapped victim Pastor Dipat Gabriel Joseph unhurt in Bokkos.

In Katsina, Police recovered five rustled cows after engaging suspected cattle rustlers, while injured victims were rescued and taken to hospital.

In Kaduna, armed bandits fled into the bush after security operatives arrived, abandoning a pump-action rifle, two cartridges and a motorcycle.

In Abia, Police recovered a locally made pistol, 40 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, two rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, four empty magazines, military camouflage and other exhibits after suspected hoodlums fled from Okohia Forest.

In Enugu, joint security teams continued a search-and-rescue operation following the abduction of three persons at Amaja Community, recovering three expended 7.62x39mm ammunition shells.

The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property and bringing criminal elements to justice, while urging members of the public to remain vigilant and provide credible information to security agencies.