By Jane Salihu
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has intensified nationwide security operations, with coordinated police actions leading to the rescue of five kidnapped victims, the arrest of 14 suspects, the recovery of firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammunition, and the neutralisation of three armed suspects across 12 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The operational achievements are contained in the Nigeria Police Force Daily Situation Report for the period ending July 8, 2026, reflecting the IGP’s sustained strategy of intelligence-led policing and proactive crime-fighting across the country.
Among the major breakthroughs was the rescue of three kidnapped victims during a joint operation around the Yankari Game Reserve in Bauchi State, while tactical teams continued the pursuit of the fleeing abductors.
In Benue State, police operatives arrested the principal suspect in the murder of Professor Gabriel Saawua Nyityo and his son at an NDLEA checkpoint. Another operation in Logo Local Government Area led to the neutralisation of a suspected bandit and the recovery of ammunition, a motorcycle and charms. Efforts are also ongoing to rescue a female victim abducted in Katsina-Ala.
A female kidnap victim was rescued alive in Delta State after she was found unconscious and taken to hospital for medical attention.
In Edo State, security operatives launched a search operation following the abduction of a cattle dealer, while another operation resulted in the arrest of an official of the Edo State Security Corps over alleged cult-related activities, with a pump-action gun recovered.
The Federal Capital Territory Command also recorded successes with the recovery of two stolen vehicles and the arrest of two suspected vehicle thieves, including the swift recovery of a stolen Toyota RAV4.
One of the most significant recoveries was recorded in Imo State, where police operatives raided a suspected criminal hideout in a swamp and recovered 346 rounds of assorted ammunition and seven magazines. In a separate operation, officers foiled an assassination attempt, arresting four suspects and recovering two locally made pistols and additional ammunition.
In Nasarawa State, police rescued one of three abducted university students and recovered a pistol linked to a homicide investigation, while efforts continue to rescue the remaining victims.
Police also arrested four suspects in Gombe State over a fatal land dispute, apprehended a homicide suspect in Niger State, arrested a 60-year-old Imam in Ogun State over the alleged defilement of a 15-year-old girl and attempted pregnancy termination, and neutralised two suspected kidnappers in Ondo State, recovering a pistol and live ammunition.
In Sokoto State, four suspected cattle rustlers were arrested and two stolen sheep recovered, while security operatives intensified the search for bandits responsible for a deadly attack that claimed one life.
Plateau State police also arrested a suspect carrying a locally fabricated pistol and a knife after causing panic at a health facility.
The Force Headquarters disclosed that the nationwide operations recorded the arrest of 14 suspects, recovery of four firearms, about 350 rounds of ammunition, three stolen vehicles, the rescue of five kidnap victims and the neutralisation of three armed suspects.
The report further revealed that eight kidnapping incidents and six homicide cases were recorded during the period, alongside one case each of banditry, cultism and gender-based violence, while no incidents of armed robbery or terrorism were reported.
The Inspector-General of Police reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to sustaining aggressive intelligence-led operations, strengthening inter-agency collaboration and deepening community policing to tackle kidnapping and other violent crimes.
IGP Disu also urged citizens to continue supporting the police with timely and credible information, assuring Nigerians that the Force remains resolute in protecting lives and property and ensuring that criminal elements are brought to justice.