Police arrest suspects, rescue victims, recover firearms in 11 states

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The Nigeria Police Force has reported a series of operational successes across 11 states, including the neutralisation of a suspected terrorist, the rescue of kidnapped victims, and the arrest of suspected kidnappers, armed robbers, and a suspected bandit informant.

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The operations, carried out between September 12 and 15, 2026, also led to the recovery of firearms, ammunition, illicit drugs, vehicles, motorcycles, ransom money, and other exhibits.

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In a statement on Tuesday, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, said police operatives, working with other security agencies, continued to intensify operations against criminal elements across the country.

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He said, “Police operatives, in collaboration with military personnel, successfully conducted a clearance operation in Gumki Village, Arewa Local Government Area of Kebbi State, during which one terrorist was neutralised.”

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In the operation, the police said one PKT rifle with 174 rounds of live ammunition, an AK-47 rifle with 14 rounds of ammunition, four motorcycles, mobile phones and other exhibits were recovered.

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In Katsina State, two women abducted in Sha’Iskawa Fulani Village, Kankia LGA, were rescued unharmed after police operatives engaged the armed bandits in a gun duel.

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According to the police, “The operatives successfully overpowered the assailants, forcing them to abandon the two victims and flee into the bush with varying degrees of gunshot wounds.”

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The victims were subsequently rescued without injuries.

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In Ogun State, three suspected members of an armed robbery gang linked to attacks in Agbado and adjoining areas were arrested.

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The police said, “Three expanded cartridges were recovered from the suspects,” adding that the State Criminal Investigation Department, Abeokuta, was investigating the case.

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In Akwa Ibom State, six suspected members of an armed robbery gang were arrested following investigations into their activities across Ikono, Ini and Obot Akara LGAs.

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The police said, “Two single-barrel guns, one motorcycle, three laptops and other exhibits were successfully recovered.”

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In Sokoto State, technical operatives arrested a suspected bandit informant in Wamakko LGA and recovered ₦900,000 allegedly collected as part of a levy imposed on a community.

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The police said, “The suspect is providing useful information to aid the arrest of other gang members.”

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In Delta State, seven suspects were arrested during a raid on a criminal hideout in Ukwuani LGA.

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The police said the operation led to the recovery of “one locally fabricated single-barrel firearm, one live cartridge, illicit drugs, a battle axe, mobile phones and a laptop.”

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In Ekiti State, police operatives intercepted and arrested a suspected kidnapper and fraudster during a night operation along the Ekiti State University/Osekita Road.

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According to the police, “A Toyota Venza valued at ₦10.5m, 255 SIM cards, four phones, an international passport, tramadol and other exhibits were successfully recovered.”

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In Rivers State, a fleeing suspect was arrested at his hideout in Bonny following a manhunt operation.

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The police said, “One English-made Beretta pistol earlier abandoned by the suspect was successfully recovered.”

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The Force also reported the rescue of a kidnapped victim around Arabu Forest in Makarfi LGA of Kaduna State.

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According to the police, “The rescued victim was medically evaluated and successfully reunited with his family.”

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In Kogi State, joint security operatives arrested a suspected kidnapper following an armed attack on a vehicle along the Okene/Ogori-Magongo-Lagos Highway.

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The police said, “The arrest was made during a follow-up operation in the surrounding forest axis, while exhibits were recovered from the suspect.”

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In Jigawa State, police operatives arrested a suspect in connection with the alleged rape of an eight-year-old girl in Ringim LGA.

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The Force said the case had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Dutse for investigation.

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Meanwhile, 10 suspects were arrested during separate raids on criminal hideouts in Aniocha North and Oshimili North LGAs of Delta State between September 12 and 13.

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The police said, “Two locally made firearms, illicit drugs, cannabis-related items and other illegal exhibits were successfully recovered.”

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The Force said the various cases were being investigated by the respective State Criminal Investigation Departments, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend other suspects linked to the crimes.

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