Police arrest 16 suspected robbers, cultists in nationwide crackdown

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The Nigeria Police Force has arrested at least 16 suspects in separate operations across eight states over alleged kidnapping, armed robbery, homicide, sexual offences, cultism and drug-related activities.

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The Force Public Relations Officer, Ani Iniedu, disclosed this in a state-by-state summary of police operational successes released on Sunday.

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Iniedu stated that police operatives in Oyo State recorded four arrests in separate operations between September 17 and 18, 2026.

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According to him, the operatives arrested a suspected member of a kidnapping syndicate at Kanbi Village on September 18, while two additional suspects were arrested for allegedly concealing kidnapping activities.

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He stated that operatives also arrested a suspected serving personnel of a sister security agency in connection with an alleged armed robbery and abduction in Ibadan on September 17, adding that a blue Toyota Camry allegedly used during the operation was recovered.

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The FPRO further disclosed that two suspects were arrested in connection with alleged sexual offences in Oyo State, including a suspect arrested over the alleged sexual assault of a three-year-old girl in Saki.

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According to him, police recovered a blood-stained boxer short and a Panasonic tape as exhibits in the Saki case, while the victim was taken to a hospital for medical treatment.

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In Delta State, Iniedu noted that six suspects were arrested in three separate operations.

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“Police operatives arrested a suspect in connection with the alleged defilement of a minor in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State on September 18 and another suspect over the alleged defilement of an eight-year-old girl at Okwagbe Waterside Community in the same LGA.

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“Operatives also arrestes three suspects during a raid on a criminal black spot at Umusadege, Kwale in Delta State, for suspected drug trafficking and cult-related activities,” he added.

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In Kogi State, Iniedu noted that two suspects were arrested in separate operations.

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The statement added that police detectives arrested a suspect following a fatal shooting at Ohunene Community, Ajaokuta LGA, on September 19, while another suspect was arrested following a reported missing-person case at Anyigba, Dekina LGA.

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According to the FPRO, police recovered a gun allegedly involved in the Ajaokuta shooting.

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In Kano State, Iniedu stated that police operatives arrested a female suspect on September 18 in connection with the death of her husband at Katsalle Quarters, Rogo Local Government Area.

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In Bayelsa State, Iniedu disclosed that police operatives moved a murder suspect to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Yenagoa for protective custody following community unrest at Ebedebiri, Sagbama LGA, on September 20.

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He said tactical teams were deployed to the affected community to restore law and order.

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Iniedu said the respective State Criminal Investigation Departments were investigating all the cases, while the police continued efforts to identify other persons connected with the alleged offences.

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“The reported operations formed part of the Nigeria Police Force’s ongoing efforts to respond to credible intelligence, apprehend suspects and disrupt criminal activities across the affected states,” the statement concluded.

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