Police operatives have recorded multiple security successes across several states, including the rescue of kidnap victims, arrest of suspects, and recovery of weapons and stolen property in coordinated operations nationwide.
The Nigeria Police Force disclosed the developments in a state-by-state operational update released on July 30, 2026, by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, detailing actions taken in Imo, Osun, Sokoto, Katsina, Nasarawa, Gombe and Akwa Ibom states.
In Imo State, police tactical teams rescued four kidnap victims who sustained bullet wounds during the operation. Three locally made firearms were recovered, while the victims were taken to hospital for treatment. “Bush-combing operations are ongoing to rescue remaining victims and arrest the kidnappers,” the statement said.
In Osun State, operatives arrested a suspect linked to the alleged murder of a 12-year-old boy. The suspect is currently in custody and assisting with investigations.
Sokoto State recorded multiple breakthroughs, including the foiling of a bandit attack during a gun duel in which two bandits were neutralized. Police recovered a locally fabricated pistol, 27 rounds of live ammunition and two cutlasses, with no casualties reported among security personnel or residents.
In a separate operation in Sokoto, a suspect was arrested in possession of a stolen Toyota Prado belonging to the state’s Chief Judge, with the vehicle successfully recovered during a stop-and-search exercise.
Similarly, in Katsina State, police operatives repelled a bandit attack, neutralized one suspect and recovered an AK-47 rifle along with a motorcycle used in the operation.
In Nasarawa State, anti-kidnapping units recovered a locally made pistol, illicit drugs, suspected illegally mined minerals and cash during a raid on a suspected kidnapper’s residence. The suspect fled, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend him.
In Gombe State, police rescued a robbery suspect from mob action and recovered exhibits including a cutlass and a motorcycle seat, while in Akwa Ibom State, two suspected drug dealers were arrested with large quantities of Indian hemp during an intelligence-led raid.
The police said all cases have been transferred to State Criminal Investigation Departments (SCID) in the respective states for further investigation, as efforts continue to track down fleeing suspects and dismantle criminal networks.
The operations highlight ongoing nationwide efforts by the Nigeria Police Force to combat kidnapping, banditry, armed robbery and drug trafficking.
