Police Record Major Breakthroughs Nationwide, Rescue Kidnap Victims, Recover Firearms, Stolen Vehicles

Police Record Major Breakthroughs Nationwide, Rescue Kidnap Victims, Recover Firearms, Stolen Vehicles

By Raphael Ekpang

Abuja (Core Reporters) The Nigeria Police Force has recorded significant operational successes across seven states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the last 24 hours, leading to the arrest of suspected armed robbers and drug traffickers, the rescue of kidnap victims, the recovery of firearms, stolen vehicles, rustled cattle, and other exhibits.

In Rivers State, police operatives arrested a notorious armed robbery suspect, Kelvin Tamunu, popularly known as “Jagaplus,” during a raid on a criminal hideout at Abonnema Waterside in Port Harcourt. The suspect confessed to several armed robbery and burglary operations, including the attack and attempted murder of a retired police officer at Abacha Link Road, New GRA, Port Harcourt, on May 6, 2026.

During the operation, officers recovered two serviceable pump-action rifles and nine rounds of live cartridges. The suspect is currently receiving medical treatment for injuries sustained during the operation, while efforts have been intensified to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang.

In Sokoto State, police foiled an attack by suspected Lakurawa bandits on Ayawa Village in Tangaza Local Government Area. The attackers had rustled 11 domestic animals before tactical teams, anti-kidnapping operatives and the Village Crime Response Unit blocked their escape routes.

Following a gun duel, the bandits fled into a nearby forest, abandoning all 11 stolen cattle, which have been recovered and will be returned to their verified owners through community leaders. No casualties were recorded, while surveillance has been strengthened in the area.

In Plateau State, police recovered a 2022 Toyota Hilux stolen from the residence of one Joseph Taukek in Kwata Zawan, Jos South Local Government Area. The vehicle was tracked to Bauchi State, where two suspects, Ibrahim Tijjani and Mohammed Umar, were arrested in connection with the theft.

Police in Nasarawa State also foiled a kidnapping attempt at Megona Filling Station along the Akwanga–Jos Road in Andaha. The suspected kidnappers engaged police operatives in a gun battle but fled into the bush after being overwhelmed by superior firepower.

All kidnapped victims were rescued unharmed, while provisions earlier looted from a nearby shop were recovered. Joint bush-combing operations involving the police, military, vigilantes and local hunters are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

In Katsina State, operatives arrested a suspected trans-border drug trafficker, Ibrahim Usman, a resident of Tahoua State in the Republic of Niger, along the Mashi–Birnin Kuka border corridor.

Police recovered 28 blocks of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp. The suspect reportedly confessed to transporting the illicit consignment from Lagos for distribution within Nigeria and neighbouring Niger Republic. Investigations are ongoing to dismantle the supply network.

In the Federal Capital Territory, police arrested one Salihu Yusuf, who was found in possession of two rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition wrapped in charms, quantities of suspected Indian hemp and assorted charms. The suspect, who claimed to be a dismissed soldier, was unable to provide a satisfactory explanation for the items found in his possession.

Operatives also recovered a stolen BMW X6 belonging to Mohammed Kobra and impounded a Mercedes-Benz E350 suspected to have been stolen.

Meanwhile, in Benue State, Commissioner of Police Cletus C.N. Nwadiogbu led an intelligence-driven clearance operation in Ayilamo, Logo Local Government Area, where security operatives uncovered a suspected bandits’ camp.

A gun battle followed, forcing the criminals to flee into forests bordering Nasarawa and Taraba states. No casualties were recorded among the police team, while security operations in the area continue.

The Force Headquarters said all the cases are under investigation by the respective State Criminal Investigation Departments (SCIDs), while sustained operations are ongoing to arrest fleeing suspects and dismantle criminal networks across the country.