Police operatives across several states have rescued at least four kidnapping victims and neutralised five suspected bandits during separate operations in Ogun and Sokoto states, while firearms, ammunition and other exhibits were recovered.
The operational successes, recorded between August 29 and 30, 2026, were contained in the Nigeria Police Force’s latest state-by-state executive summary of its activities.
Ogun Operation Leads to Two AK-47 Rifles
In Ogun State, police operatives rescued Usman Umar, who had been kidnapped, after combing the surrounding forest.
The operatives subsequently stormed the kidnappers’ hideout and engaged the suspects in a gun duel.
Two suspected kidnappers were reportedly neutralised during the operation, while others escaped with gunshot wounds.
Police recovered two AK-47 rifles, 25 rounds of ammunition and two mobile phones from the scene.
The State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, is investigating the incident.
Three Bandits Neutralised in Sokoto
In Sokoto State, police tactical teams, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Vehicle and Cybercrime Response Unit and military personnel foiled an alleged bandit attack on Maikujera Village.
The security teams reportedly intercepted armed bandits moving towards the community and engaged them in a prolonged gun battle.
Three suspected bandits were neutralised during subsequent bush-combing operations, while others reportedly fled with casualties.
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An AK-47 rifle and 22 rounds of live ammunition were recovered.
The police said no security personnel or villagers were killed in the operation.
Kano Victim Rescued as Three Die
In Kano State, police tactical teams rescued Alhaji Yusif Nadabo after suspected bandits abandoned him while fleeing from pursuing security operatives following an attack in Garun Mallam Town.
However, three other victims who sustained gunshot injuries during the attack were evacuated for medical treatment but later died.
The Kano SCID is investigating the incident.
Police Recover Weapons in Abia Forest
In Abia State, police operatives acting on intelligence stormed the Okohia Forest in Ukwa West Local Government Area over information that suspected armed hoodlums were attempting to establish a camp.
The suspects fled after sighting the police team.
A subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of a locally made pistol, 40 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, two rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and four empty magazines.
Police also recovered military camouflage clothing, substances suspected to be Indian hemp and other exhibits.
Three Armed Robbery Suspects Arrested in Lagos
In Lagos, police tactical operatives arrested three suspected members of an armed robbery and carjacking syndicate following intelligence-led tracking.
The operatives recovered three locally made firearms and eight rounds of ammunition.
The force said efforts were ongoing to arrest other members of the alleged syndicate.
Five Rustled Cows Recovered in Katsina
In Katsina State, police tactical personnel engaged suspected cattle rustlers in a gun duel following an attack on cattle rearers in Tafoki Village.
The force said the suspected rustlers were overpowered and five rustled cows were recovered.
Injured victims were also rescued and taken to Funtua General Hospital for treatment.
Two Kidnap Victims Rescued in Taraba
In Taraba State, police personnel from 67 PMF Takum, Highway Patrol and the Divisional Police Officer-led team conducted a search operation following a reported kidnapping incident.
The operation resulted in the rescue of 55-year-old Alidoo Cecilia Ityo and her young granddaughter, who were reportedly abandoned by their abductors.
A red Toyota Corolla with registration number JMT-680-XA, allegedly abandoned by the kidnappers, was also recovered.
The latest operations form part of ongoing police efforts to disrupt kidnapping, banditry, armed robbery and other violent crimes across the affected states.
