By Julius Peter, Abuja
The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a series of operational successes across several states, including the arrest of suspected armed robbers, kidnappers, cultists and other criminal suspects, the rescue of an abducted victim, recovery of firearms and ammunition, and retrieval of suspected stolen property.
The operations, carried out between September 5 and 11, 2026, according to the Force, covered Jigawa, Lagos, Ebonyi, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Plateau, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Zamfara and Anambra states.
The Force disclosed the developments in its state-by-state executive summary of operational successes issued on Friday, September 11, 2026, by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, ANIPR, at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.
In Jigawa State, police operatives responding to an armed robbery incident in Hadejia on September 10 engaged the suspected robbers in a gun duel.
According to the police, one of the armed robbery suspects was neutralised during the encounter, while other members of the gang reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds.
The operatives recovered two Android phones, two power banks and a pair of shoes from the scene.
The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Dutse, for further investigation.
In Lagos State, police tactical operatives arrested five suspected members of an armed robbery syndicate following what the Force described as credible intelligence.
The police said the ring leader of the alleged syndicate and four other members were apprehended during the operation.
Recovered from the suspects were three locally-made pistols, five unexpended cartridges and 300 rounds of 9mm live ammunition.
The Force said the suspects and recovered exhibits were handed over to the SCID, Panti, for further investigation.
A major breakthrough was also recorded in Ebonyi State, where police operatives rescued an abducted clergyman, Reverend Ede Sunday John Tobechukwu.
The Force said the victim was abducted by armed men on September 9, prompting the police to immediately mobilise and commence a sustained pursuit of the fleeing assailants.
According to the police, the pressure mounted by the operatives forced the abductors to abandon the victim, who was subsequently rescued unharmed.
The victim’s Toyota Avalon vehicle was also recovered.In another significant development in Delta State, police operatives recovered a three-year-old female child who was allegedly stolen at birth in 2023.
The recovery followed a petition and sustained investigation by the police.
The Force said Mr. and Mrs. Solomon Igbiaye were arrested in connection with the alleged crime.
The investigation is being handled by the SCID, Asaba, to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged theft of the child and the roles of those arrested.
In Akwa Ibom State, six suspected members of an armed robbery gang were arrested between September 5 and 9 following credible intelligence.
The police said tactical operatives initially intercepted three suspected members of the gang before subsequently arresting three additional suspects.
The operation led to the recovery of two locally-made pistols, two live cartridges and three expended cartridges.
Six serviceable motorcycles suspected to have been stolen were also recovered.
The suspects and exhibits are currently being investigated by the SCID, Uyo.
The police also reported the arrest of a suspected criminal shrine operator in Delta State over alleged involvement in firearms dealings.
According to the Force, the suspect was arrested following actionable intelligence.
Items recovered from the suspect included a pump-action gun, four dagger knives, a battle axe and substances suspected to be charms.The suspect is being investigated by the SCID, Asaba.
In Plateau State, police detectives arrested three suspected members of a criminal gang allegedly terrorising Pankshin Local Government Area and surrounding communities.
The operation, conducted on September 10, followed what the Force described as credible intelligence.
The police recovered a Browning pistol, 11 rounds of 9mm live ammunition, a machete and assorted substances suspected to be charms.The investigation is being conducted by the SCID, Jos.
The Federal Capital Territory recorded one of the largest numbers of arrests in the latest operations, with 54 suspects arrested during coordinated raids conducted by police operatives from Maitama, Wuse, Utako and Durumi divisions.
The operations targeted identified criminal black spots and uncompleted buildings within the FCT.
According to the Force, dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp and other illicit drugs were recovered during the raids.
The 54 suspects and recovered exhibits are being investigated by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Abuja.
Five Suspects Arrested, Suspected Stolen Building Materials Recovered in Zamfara
In Zamfara State, police operatives arrested five suspects following a raid on a suspected criminal hideout based on credible intelligence.
The operation led to the recovery of 70 bags of cement, seven bundles of 12mm iron rods and two empty drums.
The Force said the items were suspected to be property of the Ekiti State Airport.
The matter is being investigated by the SCID, Ado-Ekiti, to determine the circumstances surrounding the movement and possession of the recovered materials.
In Anambra State, police operatives attached to the Vehicle Crimes Recovery Unit (VCRU) arrested two suspects in connection with an alleged kidnapping operation and theft of a Toyota Highlander vehicle.
The arrest followed sustained investigation into the kidnapping of two persons and the alleged theft of the vehicle.
The Force identified one of the suspects as Victor Onwuka, also known as “Bugatti”, who allegedly confessed to involvement in the crime.
Following information reportedly obtained from him, operatives arrested another suspect, Madukaife Chidebere Kenechukwu, described by the police as a receiver of stolen phones allegedly linked to the syndicate.The case is currently being investigated by the SCID, Awka.
The latest operational successes underscore the Nigeria Police Force’s ongoing efforts to strengthen intelligence-led policing, disrupt criminal networks and recover victims and suspected stolen property across the country.
The operations also resulted in the recovery of several firearms, live and expended ammunition, dangerous weapons, motorcycles, vehicles, suspected illicit drugs and other exhibits.
The Force said the investigations into the various incidents are ongoing, with the relevant State Criminal Investigation Departments and the CID Abuja handling the cases.
The police urged members of the public to continue providing credible and actionable information to security agencies to assist ongoing efforts to prevent and combat crime.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, ANIPR, signed the operational summary issued from the Force Headquarters, Abuja.
While the police described the arrested individuals as suspects, their culpability in the alleged offences remains subject to the outcome of investigations and any subsequent judicial proceedings.
