Jane Salihu
The Nigeria Police Force recorded major operational successes across the country over the past 24 hours, arresting 112 suspects, rescuing two kidnapped victims, recovering firearms and ammunition, and disrupting criminal activities in 13 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The nationwide operations, which targeted cultism, armed robbery, kidnapping, homicide, gender-based violence and drug-related crimes, also led to the recovery of three firearms, 14 rounds of ammunition, one stolen vehicle and the neutralisation of a suspected kidnapper.
The FCT Command recorded the highest number of arrests after coordinated raids by operatives from 11 police divisions on identified criminal hideouts, black spots and uncompleted buildings. The operation resulted in the arrest of 87 suspects, while quantities of suspected Indian hemp, illicit drugs and knives were recovered.
In Delta State, police operatives dismantled a suspected cult network during an intelligence-led operation in Amukpe, Sapele Local Government Area, arresting eight suspects. Three locally fabricated pistols, six live cartridges, eight rounds of assorted ammunition, two axes, suspected illicit substances and cannabis grinders were recovered. The command also arrested a 36-year-old suspect accused of repeatedly defiling an 11-year-old pupil.
Akwa Ibom Police Command arrested four suspects linked to the killing of a 21-year-old man over an alleged poultry theft following a sting operation prompted by a viral video. Investigators later recovered the victim’s body from a shallow grave. Separate anti-drug operations in the state led to the arrest of four additional suspects and the recovery of suspected cannabis.
In Oyo State, police arrested three suspected armed robbers allegedly involved in a home invasion in Ibadan, recovering two cutlasses and two saws. The command also commenced investigations into the killing of a man found with multiple machete wounds in Iseyin.
Police in Benue foiled a bandits’ attack on Anyiase Community in Kwande Local Government Area after a joint response with local youths forced the attackers to retreat. Another suspect was arrested in connection with an earlier attack in Otukpo.
In Sokoto State, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit engaged armed bandits in a gun battle, successfully rescuing two kidnapped victims unharmed after an attack on Rugar Yamma Village in Wamako Local Government Area.
Kebbi State recorded a tragic kidnapping incident in which the Director of Personnel Management of Yauri Local Government Area, Alhaji Nasiru Mohammed, was killed while his wife was abducted. Police later intercepted the fleeing suspects, fatally injuring one during an attempt to evade arrest and recovering mobile phones, an axe and other exhibits.
In Ogun State, police arrested two suspects in separate cases involving the alleged defilement of 13-year-old girls, including a foreign national. The command also recovered a stolen Toyota Sienna abandoned in Sagamu.
Anambra Police Command arrested three suspects accused of abducting and defrauding female Point-of-Sale operators, recovering evidence linked to a ₦3.9 million fraud. The command also launched an investigation into the death of a 12-year-old student allegedly beaten by a teacher.
Three members of a local vigilante group were arrested in Katsina State over the alleged fatal shooting of a resident during an attempted arrest, while police restored calm after angry youths set two vigilante motorcycles ablaze.
In Jigawa State, two police officers sustained injuries after they were attacked with cutlasses by motorcycle-riding suspects during a patrol. The attackers escaped, abandoning a cow suspected to have been stolen.
Police in Edo State also responded swiftly to a gas plant explosion at the Federal Government Gas Plant Project in Orhionmwon Local Government Area. Working with engineers and emergency responders, operatives secured the facility and prevented a fire outbreak. No casualties or property damage were recorded.
The Force’s national operational summary showed six homicide cases, three armed robbery incidents, three cult-related cases, three gender-based violence cases, two kidnapping incidents and three banditry-related operations handled within the reporting period, underscoring ongoing efforts to combat crime and enhance public safety across the country.
