The Nigeria Police Force has reported a series of operational successes across five states, including the arrest of at least 24 suspects, rescue of six kidnapped victims and recovery of several firearms and other exhibits.
The successes were recorded in Anambra, Delta, Katsina, Rivers and Nasarawa States between September 2 and 4, 2026, according to the State-by-State Executive Summary of Police operational successes released on Saturday.
The operations targeted suspected murderers, armed robbers, kidnappers and other criminal elements.
Five murder and robbery suspects arrested in Anambra
In Anambra State, police operatives arrested five suspects following intelligence-led operations launched after the murder of Isaac Nwosu and three others in Awka, Awka South Local Government Area.
According to the police, one of the suspects, identified as Chukwuma Oputa, confessed to participating in an armed robbery operation during which a victim was allegedly shot dead inside a Bet9ja shop.
The police said Oputa also provided information that led to the arrest of four other suspected accomplices allegedly connected to the criminal activities.
A pump-action rifle was recovered from the principal suspect during the operation.
The case is currently being investigated by the State Criminal Investigation Department, Awka.
Eight arrested over attempted murder in Delta
In Delta State, police operatives arrested eight suspects following intelligence-led operations linked to the alleged attempted murder of Ikolomi Ewoma.
The operation led police officers to a suspected criminal hideout at Nut Junction, Abraka, in Ethiope East LGA, where the suspects were apprehended.
The police also recovered three locally made pistols, alongside quantities of Tramadol and other suspected illicit drugs.
The suspects are currently being investigated by the State Criminal Investigation Department in Asaba.
Five kidnapped victims rescued in Katsina
Police tactical teams in Katsina State reportedly foiled a kidnapping operation after armed bandits invaded Kasuwar Mata Junction in Funtua Local Government Area and abducted several residents.
According to the police, the tactical teams engaged the attackers in a confrontation, forcing them to retreat into the surrounding bush.
The police subsequently conducted clearance and cordon operations in the area, leading to the rescue of five abducted victims unharmed.
The State Criminal Investigation Department in Katsina is investigating the incident.
Kidnap victim rescued after gun duel in Rivers
In Rivers State, police operatives rescued a female victim who was allegedly abducted from her shop along Alode Farm Road, Eleme Local Government Area.
The police said officers engaged the suspected kidnappers in a gun duel, forcing the criminals to abandon the victim and flee into the bush.
The woman was subsequently rescued unharmed.
Police said they also recovered two locally made pistols and one round of live ammunition from an abandoned operational tricycle allegedly used by the kidnappers.
The case is being investigated by the State Criminal Investigation Department in Port Harcourt.
Eleven arrested after robbery operation in Nasarawa
In Nasarawa State, NPF operatives arrested 11 suspects, including two minors, following an operation targeting armed robbers who allegedly invaded Glory Guest House in Masaka, Karu Local Government Area.
According to the police, the operatives pursued the suspects to their hideout, where they were arrested.
Recovered exhibits included one locally made revolver gun, six cutlasses, knives, eight SIM cards, scissors, suspected counterfeit foreign currencies and other valuables.
The State Criminal Investigation Department in Lafia is currently investigating the case.
Police intensify operations nationwide
The latest operations highlight the continued efforts of the Nigeria Police Force to disrupt criminal networks involved in kidnapping, armed robbery, murder and other violent crimes across the country.
The force said the cases from the five states remain under investigation, with further arrests and recovery of additional exhibits possible as investigators work to identify other members of the suspected criminal networks.
