The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a fresh series of operational successes across Zamfara, Imo, Katsina, Oyo, Gombe, Delta State and the Federal Capital Territory, with at least 16 suspects arrested and a range of weapons, ammunition, stolen vehicles, motorcycles and livestock recovered.
The operations, carried out mainly on September 12, 2026, formed part of the Force’s ongoing intelligence-led response to banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery, illegal possession of firearms and other violent crimes.
In Zamfara State, police operatives intercepted a vehicle at a checkpoint in Maru Local Government Area and arrested three suspects. A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 1,123 rounds of live 7.62mm ammunition reportedly concealed inside the vehicle. The State Criminal Investigation Department, Gusau, has taken over the investigation.
The recovery comes amid intensified police operations against criminal networks in the North-West. Recent police air operations in Katsina and Zamfara have also targeted bandit camps and reportedly disrupted criminal logistics and communication networks.
In Imo State, three suspected armed robbers were arrested at a hideout where police recovered 13 stolen motorcycles, an unregistered Toyota Sienna bus, motorcycle spare parts and other exhibits. Preliminary investigation, according to the police, indicated that some of the motorcycles were allegedly stolen at gunpoint. The SCID in Owerri is investigating the case.
Katsina State recorded two separate operations. In the first, police tactical teams engaged suspected armed bandits in a gun duel, forcing the attackers to retreat into the bush. One suspect was arrested and 15 cows and 35 sheep, allegedly rustled by the criminals, were recovered.
In another Katsina operation, three suspected bandits were arrested over the alleged abduction of an elderly man. Police said preliminary investigation indicated that the suspects allegedly conspired to kidnap the victim and collected ₦3 million in ransom before releasing him after 16 days in captivity.
In Oyo State, a kidnapped victim was rescued after police operatives and other security personnel combed surrounding bushes in pursuit of the abductors. According to the police, the pressure forced the kidnappers to abandon the victim and flee. The rescued person was recovered unharmed, while the SCID in Ibadan continues the investigation.
Gombe State also featured prominently in the latest operational report. Police arrested a suspected armed robber following an attack on a residence and recovered a stolen motorcycle, as well as two locally made explosive devices and other exhibits reportedly abandoned by fleeing suspects.
In a separate Gombe operation, another suspected armed robbery suspect was arrested and a stolen motorcycle recovered following an attack on a residence.
Police operatives working with local vigilantes also arrested a suspect in Gombe over alleged vandalisation and recovered stolen armoured cables. A saw and pliers allegedly used in the operation were recovered alongside the cables.
In Delta State, police arrested a suspect allegedly found in possession of a pump-action firearm and 18 live cartridges. The case has been transferred to the SCID in Asaba for further investigation.
In the Federal Capital Territory, police traced and arrested a suspect allegedly involved in the stabbing death of a man. The suspect had reportedly fled the scene after the incident but was subsequently tracked down by police operatives. The CID in Abuja is investigating.
The latest operations come as the Nigeria Police Force continues to intensify intelligence-led policing and tactical interventions against violent criminal networks. The Force has recently reported arrests of suspected terrorists, murder suspects, armed robbers and kidnappers, alongside the recovery of firearms and ammunition and the rescue of kidnapped victims in operations across the country.
The police said the cases contained in the September 14 operational summary remain under investigation by the respective State Criminal Investigation Departments and the FCT CID. The suspects are yet to be convicted, and the allegations against them remain subject to investigation and due process.
The combined recoveries in the latest operations underline the breadth of criminal activities being targeted by security agencies, ranging from ammunition trafficking and banditry to kidnapping, armed robbery, livestock rustling, vandalism and violent crime.
Leave a comment