A fresh nationwide security operation by the Nigeria Police Force has delivered results, with several kidnapping victims rescued, dangerous suspects arrested, and illegal weapons recovered across 12 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The latest Nigeria Police nationwide crackdown also led to the recovery of firearms, ammunition, stolen vehicles, and the neutralisation of armed suspects.
The development highlights renewed efforts by security agencies to curb violent crimes across the country.
According to an operational report presented by the Force Public Relations Officer to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, police formations intensified intelligence-led operations during the reporting period ending July 8, 2026.
Consequently, the operations produced significant breakthroughs against kidnapping, homicide, cultism, banditry, and vehicle theft.
In Bauchi State, police operatives rescued three kidnapped victims during a coordinated operation around the Yankari Game Reserve. However, the suspected kidnappers escaped, while security teams continued tactical operations to apprehend them.
Meanwhile, Benue State recorded major breakthroughs during separate operations. Police arrested the principal suspect linked to the killing of Professor Gabriel Saawua Nyityo and his son after he was intercepted at an NDLEA checkpoint while attempting to flee.
Furthermore, security operatives neutralised a suspected bandit in Logo Local Government Area. Ammunition, a motorcycle, and suspected charms were also recovered. Efforts have continued to rescue another victim abducted in Katsina-Ala.
Delta State also recorded success after police rescued a female kidnap victim. She was found unconscious and immediately taken to the hospital, where she is reportedly responding well to treatment.
In Edo State, police arrested an official of the Edo State Security Corps over alleged cult-related activities.
A pump-action gun was recovered during the operation. Meanwhile, a bush-combing exercise has continued following the kidnapping of a cattle dealer.
The Federal Capital Territory also witnessed progress during the reporting period. Officers recovered two stolen vehicles and arrested two suspects linked to vehicle theft. A stolen Toyota RAV4 was recovered shortly after it was reported missing.
Police in Gombe State arrested four suspects connected to a homicide case that reportedly resulted from a land dispute enforcement exercise. The victim was said to have died at the scene.
One of the biggest recoveries came from Imo State. Security operatives uncovered 346 rounds of assorted ammunition and seven magazines during a raid on a suspected criminal hideout.
Moreover, officers foiled an alleged assassination attempt in the state. Four suspects were arrested, while two locally made pistols and additional ammunition were recovered.
In Jigawa State, however, tragedy struck after armed attackers invaded a Fulani settlement. One person lost his life, while another victim was abducted. Security personnel have since launched forest-combing operations to rescue the kidnapped victim.
Nasarawa State also recorded progress after officers rescued one of three kidnapped university students.
A pistol connected to a homicide investigation was equally recovered. Search operations remain active for the remaining victims.
Meanwhile, police arrested a homicide suspect in Niger State. Authorities described the suspect as mentally unstable following an incident that reportedly left one person dead and two others injured.
In Ogun State, officers arrested a 60-year-old Imam over allegations of defiling a 15-year-old girl. The suspect was also accused of attempting to terminate a pregnancy linked to the alleged offence. Investigations are ongoing.
Security operatives in Ondo State successfully foiled a kidnap attempt after engaging suspected kidnappers in a gun battle. Two suspects were neutralised, while a pistol, live cartridge, and other items were recovered.
In Sokoto State, police arrested four suspected cattle rustlers and recovered stolen livestock. However, another bandit attack reportedly claimed one life and left another person injured. Security teams have continued forest operations to track the attackers.
Plateau State also recorded an arrest after officers apprehended a suspect who allegedly caused panic inside a healthcare facility while carrying a locally made pistol and a knife.
According to the operational report, nationwide activities on July 8 resulted in the arrest of 14 suspects. In addition, four firearms, 350 rounds of ammunition, and three stolen vehicles were recovered. Five kidnapped victims were rescued, while three armed suspects were neutralised.
The report further showed six homicide cases, eight kidnapping incidents, one banditry case, one cultism case, and one gender-based violence case during the reporting period. No armed robbery or terrorism cases were recorded.
The Nigeria Police nationwide crackdown identified kidnapping as the country’s most common security challenge. However, intelligence-led operations and coordinated rescue missions have continued to produce encouraging results.
Furthermore, the report noted that many homicide cases were linked to land disputes, family disagreements, and bandit attacks.
The Police High Command also praised the growing partnership between officers, local hunters, and vigilante groups.
According to the report, such collaboration has become a key factor behind many recent operational successes.
