Police arrest 12 suspects, neutralize five bandits and rescue kidnapping victims

Police arrest 12 suspects, neutralize five bandits and rescue kidnapping victims

From our security correspondent

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

The operations, conducted between 27 and 31 August 2026, also led to the disruption of suspected kidnappings, armed robberies, livestock thefts, 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 arrests were recorded in Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Delta and Akwa Ibom states, while suspects were also neutralized in Ogun and Sokoto.

OYO: Five suspected kidnappers arrested

Oyo State recorded the highest number of arrests, with five suspected kidnappers arrested 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 the surrounding bushes. Four exploded cartridges have been recovered, while the search operations for the victim and other suspects continue.

In another operation, Operation Velvet police operatives intercepted Ali Betau, 27, along Igbope/Igbeti Road. Telephone records 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 kidnapping.

Status: SCID Ibadan is investigating.

LAGOS: three alleged armed robbers arrested

Tactical officers of the Lagos Police have traced and arrested three suspected members of an armed robbery and car theft ring based on credible information.

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

Efforts are underway to arrest other members of the syndicate.

Status: SCID Ikeja is investigating.

OGUN: suspect arrested, two kidnappers neutralized

In Ogun State, police detectives have arrested Biola Adeokola in connection with the deadly attack on Adeyemi Adegoke in Arigbajo. Search operations are underway to capture the fleeing accomplices.

In a separate operation, police officers rescued kidnapped victim Usman Umar unharmed before storming the kidnappers’ hideout. Two suspected kidnappers were neutralized in a firefight, while others reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds.

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

Status: SCID Elewan is investigating.

DELTA: Suspect arrested with firearm

Police officers on patrol along Mariam Babagida Road, Asaba, arrested Ossai Price, 33, who was allegedly wearing a special forces uniform.

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

Status: SCID Asaba is investigating.

AKWA IBOM: Two suspected drug dealers arrested

Acting on credible intelligence, police officers raided an alleged criminal hideout in Ikot Edong village, Uyo LGA, where Moses Dominic Okon and Kufre Essien Okon were arrested.

A large quantity of substances suspected of being Indian hemp were recovered.

Status: SCID Uyo is investigating.

SOKOTO: Three bandits neutralized

In Sokoto State, police tactical teams, anti-kidnapping unit, VCRU and military personnel intercepted armed bandits moving towards Maikujera village.

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

No casualties were reported among security personnel or villagers.

Other operating earnings

In Taraba state, police rescued Alidoo Cecilia Ityo, 55, and her niece, who had been kidnapped, and recovered a Toyota Corolla abandoned by the kidnappers.

In Plateau State, a combined security team has rescued kidnapping victim Pastor Dipat Gabriel Joseph unharmed in Bokkos.

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

In Kaduna, armed bandits fled into the bush after the arrival of security agents, abandoning a shotgun, two cartridges and a motorcycle.

In Abia, police recovered one locally made pistol, 40 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, two rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, four empty magazines, military camouflage and other artifacts after suspected hoodlums fled Okohia forest.

In Enugu, joint security teams continued a search and rescue operation following the abduction of three people in Amaja community, recovering three exploded 7.62x39mm ammunition shells.

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