The Nigeria Police Force has announced a series of operational successes recorded across several states between July 31 and August 3, 2026, including the repulsion of a terrorist attack in Borno State, the arrest of suspected kidnappers and cultists, the rescue of kidnap victims, and the recovery of arms, ammunition and other exhibits.
According to a statement released on Monday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the operations were carried out by police operatives in collaboration with other security agencies, while investigations have been assigned to the various State Criminal Investigation Departments (SCIDs).
In Borno State, combined security forces successfully repelled a terrorist attack on a local government secretariat on August 1. The police said normalcy had been restored in the area, while clearance operations were ongoing to track fleeing terrorists. The SCID in Maiduguri is investigating the incident.
In Zamfara State, joint security operatives reportedly neutralised several bandits during a fierce gun battle between July 31 and August 2. Police also arrested a suspect allegedly transporting communication gadgets to bandits, with operations continuing to dismantle criminal networks across the state.
The police also announced a major arms interception in Nasarawa State, where operatives arrested two female suspects allegedly transporting 551 rounds of AK-47 live ammunition. Ten loaded AK-47 magazines and additional ammunition were also recovered. According to the police, the suspects confessed during interrogation, prompting an expanded investigation to identify other members of the network.
In Rivers State, three suspected cultists were arrested in connection with the killing of two police officers during an earlier attack. The police said two AK-47 rifles stolen from the slain officers were recovered from the gang’s hideout, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend another fleeing suspect.
Similarly, in Imo State, operatives arrested a suspected native doctor alleged to be linked to the activities of the proscribed IPOB/ESN. Another suspected cultist was arrested during a raid on a cult initiation camp, with two Beretta pistols, one locally-made pistol and live ammunition recovered.
The police also reported the rescue of a kidnapped motor boy in Kaduna State following a gun battle with bandits. The victim was rescued unharmed and reunited with the truck driver, while efforts continue to recover the stolen truck and arrest the fleeing suspects.
In Kogi State, a joint security team rescued four kidnap victims during bush-combing operations and reunited them with their families. Security operatives have intensified efforts to apprehend the fleeing kidnappers.
Enugu State also recorded operational successes, with five suspects arrested during a joint security operation. Firearms, live cartridges and motorcycles were recovered from the suspects, while an abducted church official was rescued. The police said efforts were ongoing to rescue other victims still in captivity.
In Anambra State, detectives arrested a suspected notorious kidnap and armed robbery suspect allegedly linked to several abduction cases. According to the police, the suspect confessed to involvement in multiple kidnappings, while mobile phones containing incriminating videos and operational voice notes were recovered as exhibits.
Meanwhile, police in Taraba State arrested a suspected kidnapper believed to be a member of a notorious criminal gang. Investigators said the suspect provided useful intelligence to aid the arrest of other gang members.
In Akwa Ibom State, police operatives raided a suspected criminal hideout and arrested four suspects, recovering large quantities of suspected illicit drugs. Two additional suspects were also arrested in connection with an ongoing investigation into a high-profile kidnapping case.
The Force Headquarters said investigations into the various cases were ongoing at the respective State Criminal Investigation Departments.
