By Janet Salihu
The Chairman of Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara State, Hon. Nura Umar Abdullahi, has escaped from bandit captivity, as the Nigeria Police Force reported a string of operational successes involving the rescue of abducted victims and arrests of suspected criminals across 10 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The development was contained in the State-by-State Executive Summary of police operational successes for September 25, 2026, signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, ANIPR.
According to the police, Abdullahi escaped from captivity on September 24 and was subsequently admitted to a hospital for medical evaluation and treatment.
The development came alongside reports of the rescue of abducted victims in Nasarawa and Lagos, the foiling of a one-chance robbery in Lagos, and the arrest of suspects linked to kidnapping, armed robbery, cult-related attacks and other crimes.
In Adamawa State, the police said a combined team of security personnel repelled a terrorist attack and restored normalcy to affected communities, while combing operations continued to secure the area.
The Force said the Adamawa operation involved the police, military and other security personnel, who engaged the invading terrorists and forced them to flee.
In Nasarawa, police operatives reported the rescue of an abducted 60-year-old man who had sustained injuries during the attack and was taken to a medical facility for treatment.
The state also recorded the rescue of another abducted victim and the arrest of two suspects allegedly linked to a cult-related attack.
In a separate Nasarawa operation, four suspects were arrested over an alleged plot to abduct and murder a victim after collecting ransom, while two other suspects were arrested in connection with a cult-related homicide in Lafia.
The police also reported the arrest of four suspected armed robbers in Lagos and the recovery of two firearms and 15 rounds of ammunition.
One pump-action gun with 11 cartridges and a Beretta pistol loaded with four rounds of 9mm ammunition were among the exhibits recovered, according to the statement.
Lagos police also foiled a suspected one-chance robbery after responding to a distress alert involving a female passenger allegedly held by suspected robbers. The victim was rescued unhurt and reunited with her family.
In Delta State, seven suspected cultists were arrested in a forest area around Owhelogbo, with the police recovering four cutlasses, a battle axe, two jack knives and quantities of suspected illicit drugs.
One of the suspects, the police said, was on the CACU wanted list in connection with alleged killings and arson.
Another operation in Delta led to the arrest of a suspect following a report of threat to life, with four live 9mm ammunition and suspected Indian hemp recovered from his room and security post.
The police also reported the rescue of a kidnapped female victim from a forest in Delta following a gun duel with suspected kidnappers. The Force said one unidentified suspect was found dead at the scene, while another sustained gunshot injuries and later died while being taken for medical attention.
In Abia State, police operatives arrested a wanted suspect allegedly linked to serial armed robbery and kidnapping activities during a reconnaissance operation at his residence.
Ogun State also recorded the arrest of a suspect in connection with the alleged abduction and defilement of a 16-year-old girl who had earlier been reported missing. The police said medical examination confirmed that the victim had been defiled.
In the Federal Capital Territory, two children allegedly abandoned for several days were rescued by police operatives, while the suspected mother was arrested. The police said illicit substances were recovered from her.
The Force said all the cases had been transferred to the respective State Criminal Investigation Departments for further investigation.
The series of operations, according to the police statement, reflects coordinated interventions ranging from intelligence-led arrests and rescue missions to the recovery of firearms and ammunition and responses to violent attacks across different parts of the country.
