Jane Salihu
The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a series of operational successes across 10 incidents in eight states, including the recovery of a stolen Lexus SUV, firearms and ammunition, arrests over suspected armed robbery and defilement, and ongoing operations to rescue abducted victims.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, disclosed this in an operational summary issued on Friday, October 16, 2026, highlighting police responses to criminal activities across the country.
According to the statement, Oyo State recorded the arrest of two suspected members of an armed robbery syndicate allegedly specialising in the snatching of exotic vehicles along the Oyo-Ibadan Expressway.
A stolen, unregistered black Lexus 350 SUV was recovered during the operation, while information obtained from the suspects reportedly led to the arrest of two alleged receivers in Lagos State. The Vehicle Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Ibadan, is investigating the case.
In Ebonyi State, police operatives arrested a suspect riding an unregistered motorcycle suspected to have been stolen. The operation led to the recovery of two locally made pistols, 11 live cartridges and an Android phone.
The state also recorded the arrest of a 35-year-old man over the alleged defilement of an 11-year-old girl. The police said the victim was taken to a hospital for medical examination and was confirmed to be stable, while the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Abakaliki, is handling the case.
In Rivers State, detectives arrested a suspect following a report of assault, threats to life and suspected unlawful possession of firearms. A search of the suspect’s residence reportedly yielded 20 rounds of live AK-47 ammunition, a machete and a toy gun.
Similarly, in Nasarawa State, police operatives recovered a locally made pistol during a search conducted at New Nyanya following a petition over alleged illegal possession of firearms. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend another suspect who is reportedly on the run and recover ammunition linked to the case.
Meanwhile, security operations are continuing in Adamawa, Niger and Zamfara states following separate incidents involving suspected terrorists, armed bandits and abductions.
In Adamawa State, combined security forces engaged suspected Boko Haram terrorists in a firefight following an attack on Zangula Village in Gombi Local Government Area. The police said the area had been cordoned off as security personnel continued efforts to contain the threat and prevent further casualties and property damage.
In Niger State, police tactical teams, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), special hunters and local vigilantes were mobilised following an attack by armed bandits along Bangi Road.
The statement said tactical operations and searches were ongoing to secure the release of the abducted victims unharmed and arrest those responsible.
Zamfara State recorded two separate security incidents. In the first, three persons were abducted on the outskirts of Daki Takwas Town, prompting the deployment of police tactical teams and other security personnel.
The abductors reportedly fled before the arrival of the security teams, while combing operations continued to locate the victims and apprehend the suspects.
In another incident, security operatives responded to an attack on commuters along Kurar Mota Road, where three people sustained gunshot injuries. The victims were taken to a hospital, where they were confirmed stable and admitted for treatment.
In Ogun State, detectives have commenced an investigation into the death of a man who sustained serious injuries in an incident initially reported as an accident.
The police said the corpse was deposited at the State General Hospital morgue in Ota for preservation and autopsy to establish the cause of death and determine whether foul play was involved.
The Force said the cases remained under investigation by the relevant police units, with operations continuing in areas where suspects remained at large or victims were yet to be rescued.
