A wave of coordinated police operations has disrupted suspected criminal networks across several parts of Nigeria, leading to multiple arrests, the rescue of kidnap victims, and the recovery of firearms, stolen vehicles, suspected illicit drugs, and rustled livestock.
The nationwide operation, which covered seven states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), highlights intensified efforts by the Nigeria Police Force to combat crime through intelligence gathering and coordinated tactical deployments.
According to a daily operational report released on Wednesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Iniedu, the Police security operations recorded major breakthroughs in Rivers, Sokoto, Plateau, Nasarawa, Katsina, Benue states and the FCT within the last 24 hours.
In Rivers State, operatives arrested a suspect identified as Kelvin Tamunu, popularly known as “Jagaplus,” during a raid on a hideout in the Abonnema Waterside area of Port Harcourt.
Police said the suspect is being investigated over alleged involvement in several armed robbery and burglary incidents, including an attack on a retired police officer along Abacha Link Road in the New GRA area.
During the operation, officers recovered two pump-action rifles and nine live cartridges.
Furthermore, the suspect reportedly sustained injuries during the operation and is currently receiving medical treatment while under police custody.
Authorities also disclosed that efforts have been intensified to arrest other suspects believed to be connected with the criminal network.
Meanwhile, in Sokoto State, security operatives successfully foiled an attack on Ayawa Village in Tangaza Local Government Area after armed men allegedly rustled livestock from the community.
Tactical teams, anti-kidnapping operatives and members of the Village Crime Reduction Unit quickly responded by blocking possible escape routes.
A gunfight reportedly followed before the attackers fled into a nearby forest.
Police confirmed that all 11 stolen cows were recovered and would be returned to their rightful owners through community leaders.
In addition, no casualties were recorded among residents or security personnel during the operation.
In Plateau State, detectives recovered a 2022 Toyota Hilux that had reportedly been stolen from a residence in Kwata Zawan, Jos South Local Government Area.
The vehicle was traced to Bauchi State before being recovered.
Police also arrested two suspects identified as Ibrahim Tijjani, 30, and Mohammed Umar, 33, both residents of Jos North Local Government Area.
Meanwhile, another successful rescue operation was carried out in Nasarawa State following a reported kidnapping incident near Megona Filling Station along the Akwanga-Jos Road.
According to police authorities, the suspected kidnappers engaged security operatives in a gun battle before escaping into nearby bushes.
However, all kidnapped victims were rescued safely without sustaining injuries.
Furthermore, food items allegedly stolen from a nearby shop were recovered during the operation.
Joint security teams comprising the police, military personnel, local vigilantes and hunters have continued search operations in surrounding forests.
In Katsina State, police intercepted a 37-year-old suspect identified as Ibrahim Usman along the Mashi-Birnin Kuka border corridor.
According to investigators, the suspect was allegedly transporting 28 blocks of dried leaves believed to be cannabis.
Investigations are ongoing to identify the source of the shipment and its intended distribution network.
Within the Federal Capital Territory, operatives arrested a suspect identified as Salihu Yusuf.
Police recovered two rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, substances suspected to be cannabis and assorted charms during the arrest.
The suspect reportedly claimed to be a dismissed soldier.
Meanwhile, investigators also recovered a stolen BMW X6 belonging to Mohammed Kobra alongside a Mercedes-Benz E350 believed to have been stolen.
The separate investigations are currently being handled by the State Criminal Investigation Department in Abuja.
In Benue State, Commissioner of Police Cletus C.N. Nwadiogbu personally led an intelligence-based clearance operation in Ayilamo, Logo Local Government Area.
During the operation, security personnel uncovered a camp allegedly used by armed criminals.
According to police authorities, a gun battle followed before the suspects abandoned the camp and escaped into forests bordering Nasarawa and Taraba states.
Fortunately, no police officer was injured during the operation.
The command also assured residents that security operations would continue across identified flashpoints to prevent criminal groups from regrouping.
