By Destiny Obinna
The Nigeria Police Force has arrested 31 suspects, rescued kidnapped victims and recovered firearms, ammunition, stolen vehicles and other suspected criminal exhibits in a series of security operations across several states.
The operations, conducted between October 21 and 22, 2026, involved intelligence-led raids, stop-and-search exercises, bush-combing operations and joint security patrols targeting suspected kidnappers, armed robbers, cultists and other criminal elements.
Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Aniete Iniedu, disclosed the developments, stating that investigations were ongoing in the affected states to dismantle criminal networks and apprehend fleeing suspects.
In Kano State, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad arrested seven suspects at Bawaje Forest in Bebeji Local Government Area. The operation led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, a magazine containing 18 rounds of live ammunition, two motorcycles, 33 cows, 30 sheep and ₦730,500 suspected to be proceeds of kidnapping.
The police said efforts were ongoing to track down the fleeing principal suspect and other alleged members of the criminal network.
In Kogi State, a joint intelligence-led operation in Ajaokuta resulted in the arrest of 12 suspected cultists. The suspects were transferred to the Violent Crime Response Unit in Lokoja for further investigation.
In Zamfara State, operatives rescued a kidnapped victim, Labaran Bawa, unhurt in Maguru Village, Kaura Namoda LGA, before reuniting him with his family.
In a separate operation at Ruwan Doruwa Village in Maru LGA, security operatives reportedly neutralised a suspected bandit during a gun battle, forcing other members of the group to flee.
Delta State police operatives arrested a 62-year-old man, Richard Nmorsi, during a search of his residence in Ekuku-Agbor, Ika South LGA. Items recovered included a locally fabricated single-barrelled firearm, 24 live cartridges and substances suspected to be Indian hemp.
In another operation in the state, police rescued Thomas Bright Uche, 23, who had been abducted. He was rescued unhurt and reunited with his family, while efforts continued to apprehend those responsible.
In Lagos State, operatives arrested Abayomi Shuaibu, 31, over alleged involvement in a car theft syndicate. The operation subsequently led to the arrest of an alleged receiver, Salisu Abdulazeez, at a hideout in the Satellite area.
Three vehicles were recovered: an unregistered Toyota Camry, a Toyota Corolla with registration number SMK-312-JN and an unregistered Hyundai Sonata.
In a separate operation at Iyana Isashi, police arrested Lukman Sanni, 24, during a stop-and-search exercise. A locally made pistol loaded with two live cartridges was reportedly recovered from him.
In Imo State, police arrested Prosper Victor, 27, at an uncompleted building in Obinekele Amata Community, Ikeduru LGA, following a distress call. A search reportedly yielded a locally made revolver pistol, one live round of ammunition, one live cartridge, substances suspected to be hard drugs and charms.
The police said the suspect confessed to belonging to the Neo Black Movement of Africa, popularly known as Black Axe. Investigations into the case are ongoing.
In Ebonyi State, detectives arrested Iseh Ndubuisi, 30, at a suspected criminal hideout in Isimkpuma Okpoto Forest, Ishielu LGA. A locally made double-barrelled pistol and one live cartridge were recovered.
According to the police, the suspect was linked to alleged armed robbery incidents along the Abakaliki–Okpoto–Enugu route.
In a separate case in the state, police arrested Nweke Sunday, 35, over the alleged murder of his 71-year-old grandmother, Mrs Nkwuda Edeukwu.
The police alleged that the suspect struck the victim on the head with a pestle during a nighttime attack, resulting in her death.
Another suspect, identified as Ebuka Alfred, was arrested over an alleged assault on a six-month-old infant and the stabbing of Donald Nweze and Stella Nwakpa with a kitchen knife. The victims were taken to Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, for urgent medical attention.
In Bayelsa State, police arrested Abi Daniel, 17, and Doctor Fabor, 21, during a stop-and-search operation along the Mbiama–Yenagoa Road. A locally fabricated Beretta pistol was reportedly recovered from the suspects.
In Gombe State, detectives arrested Zainab Usman Kachalla, 18, Musa Mohammed, 25, and Auwalu Suleiman, 23, over an alleged armed robbery involving Bashir Shuaibu.
The suspects were accused of conspiring to rob the victim of ₦250,000 in cash and a Redmi mobile phone valued at ₦220,000. Police said efforts were ongoing to apprehend other suspects who fled.
In Kebbi State, Mobile Police personnel reportedly repelled an attack by a large group of suspected Mamudawa terrorists during a patrol in Illo.
The attackers were said to have fled into the bush with gunshot wounds. Inspector Samaila Bala and a civilian, Okashatu Umar, sustained injuries and were evacuated to General Hospital, Illo, for treatment.
In Niger State, conventional and mobile police personnel engaged armed men who invaded Tugan Karo Village through Makera District in Mashegu LGA.
The attackers reportedly fled following the police response, while joint security teams were placed on red alert. Rescue and tracking operations were continuing.
The police said the reported incidents were being investigated by the relevant State Criminal Investigation Departments and specialised units, while efforts continued to arrest fleeing suspects and other alleged accomplices.
The Force reiterated its commitment to tackling kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism and other violent crimes through intelligence-led operations and coordinated security responses.
All suspects remain subject to investigation, and the allegations against them have yet to be established in court.
