The Nigeria Police Force has reported a series of successful operations across 10 states within the last 24 hours, resulting in the arrest of at least 13 suspects and the rescue of seven kidnapped victims.
The intelligence-led operations also led to the recovery of firearms, ammunition, suspected illicit drugs, stolen vehicles and a motorcycle. The cases involve suspected kidnapping, armed robbery, cattle rustling, cultism, drug dealing, abduction, sexual assault and fraud.
Below is a state-by-state summary of the operations.
Adamawa State: Suspected Kidnappers Arrested
Police operatives, working alongside members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, raided a suspected kidnappers’ hideout in Ba’a Usman Forest, Fufore Local Government Area, following actionable intelligence.
Two suspected kidnappers—Muhammadu Ibrahim, 35, and Isah Jahogi, 25—were arrested during the operation. One locally made pistol was also recovered.
According to the police, the suspects are believed to be members of a kidnapping syndicate operating across Fufore and Jada local government areas.
Status: The State Criminal Investigation Department, Yola, is investigating.
Akwa Ibom State: Three Suspected Drug Dealers Arrested
Acting on credible intelligence, police operatives raided a suspected criminal hideout in Ikot Ekpene and arrested three alleged drug dealers.
Large quantities of substances suspected to be Indian hemp were recovered during the operation. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the group who fled the scene.
Status: The State Criminal Investigation Department, Uyo, is investigating.
Benue State: Suspected Cattle Rustler Arrested
Police operatives arrested Mohammed Bilyaminu, 19, following intelligence linking him to cattle rustling activities.
The police said the suspect admitted involvement in cattle rustling and the killing of Benjamin Paul. Operations are continuing to identify and arrest other suspected members of the criminal group.
Status: The State Criminal Investigation Department, Makurdi, is investigating.
Delta State: Police Record Three Operational Successes
Armed Robbery Suspect Arrested
Police arrested Jude Okonji, 30, in connection with an alleged armed robbery and recovered a stolen motorcycle.
Officers also restored law and order after a mob reportedly attempted to attack the suspect.
Suspected Abductor, Rapist and Fraudster Arrested
Police operatives arrested Benjamin Omoniovo, 32, over allegations of abduction, sexual assault and fraud.
According to the police, five complainants positively identified the suspect, while useful statements were obtained during preliminary questioning.
Suspected Cultist Arrested and Firearms Recovered
In a separate operation, police arrested Oghenebuba Mamatime, 28, for alleged cult-related activities.
Three locally made pistols and one locally made single-barrel gun were recovered during the operation.
Status: The State Criminal Investigation Department, Asaba, is investigating the cases.
Ebonyi State: Armed Robbery Suspect Arrested
Police operatives responding to reports of armed individuals blocking the road at Umuebe Roundabout in Ngbo arrested Sunday John Obi, 38.
One pump-action gun and two live cartridges were recovered. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend an accomplice who reportedly escaped from the scene.
Status: The State Criminal Investigation Department, Abakaliki, is investigating.
Edo State: Suspected Cultist Arrested
An intelligence-led operation in Edo State resulted in the arrest of Nosa Ehimwenma, 25.
Police recovered one locally made pistol and two live cartridges from the suspect. According to the police, he admitted membership of the Black Axe Confraternity and provided information that could assist further investigations.
Operations are ongoing to apprehend other suspected members of the group.
Status: The State Criminal Investigation Department, Benin, is investigating.
Kogi State: Six Kidnapped Victims Rescued
Joint security operatives responded swiftly to an abduction incident along the Kabba–Ayere Road.
During a coordinated bush-combing operation, security personnel reportedly deployed tear gas, forcing the kidnappers to abandon six of their victims.
The victims were rescued, while two vehicles were recovered. Security operations are continuing to rescue the remaining passengers and apprehend those responsible.
Status: The State Criminal Investigation Department, Lokoja, is investigating.
Lagos State: Suspected Cultist Arrested
Police operatives arrested Michael Abina, 31, during a targeted operation against suspected cult-related activities.
Eight live cartridges and 10 sachets of tramadol were recovered. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other suspected members of the group who escaped.
Status: The State Criminal Investigation Department, Ikeja, is investigating.
Nasarawa State: Suspected Kidnapper Arrested
Police operatives arrested Halilu Alh. Shehu following intelligence linking him to a kidnapping case.
According to the police, a victim positively identified Shehu as one of the individuals involved in his abduction. Efforts are ongoing to arrest other suspected members of the group.
Status: The State Criminal Investigation Department, Lafia, is investigating.
Ogun State: Kidnapped Victim Rescued
Police bush-combing operations in Ogun State led to the safe release of a kidnapped victim, identified as Engr. Sola Boyeji.
The vehicle belonging to another kidnapped victim was also recovered. Rescue operations and investigations remain ongoing.
Status: The State Criminal Investigation Department, Abeokuta, is investigating.
Investigations and Follow-up Operations Continue
The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to intelligence-led policing and collaboration with other security agencies and community-based groups.
Investigations into the reported incidents are ongoing, while security operatives continue efforts to apprehend fleeing suspects, dismantle criminal networks and rescue any victims still being held.
The operational summary was issued by CSP Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu, ANIPR, on behalf of the Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
