The Nigeria Police Force has announced a series of coordinated security operations across 11 states, resulting in the arrest of suspected kidnappers, cultists and alleged collaborators with criminal groups, the recovery of illegal firearms and ammunition, the rescue of kidnap victims and the successful repelling of a terrorist attack.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commissioner of Police Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed the operational successes in a state-by-state executive summary covering activities between July 31 and August 3, 2026, describing the operations as part of the police’s sustained offensive against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes across the country.
In Borno State, combined security forces successfully repelled a terrorist attack on a local government secretariat on August 1. Police said normalcy had been restored following the operation, while clearance operations were continuing to track fleeing terrorists. The matter is being investigated by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Maiduguri.
In Zamfara State, joint security operatives engaged suspected bandits in a fierce gun battle between July 31 and August 2, neutralising several of the attackers. Police also arrested a suspect allegedly transporting communication gadgets to bandits as operations continue to dismantle criminal networks across the state. The case is under investigation by the SCID in Gusau.
One of the most significant recoveries was recorded in Nasarawa State, where police operatives intercepted two female suspects allegedly transporting 551 rounds of live AK-47 ammunition on August 1. Officers also recovered ten loaded AK-47 magazines and additional ammunition. According to the police, the suspects confessed during interrogation, prompting investigators to expand the probe to identify other members of the trafficking network. The SCID in Lafia is handling the investigation.
In Rivers State, police arrested three suspected cultists in connection with the killing of two police officers during an earlier attack. During the operation on August 2, officers recovered two Police AK-47 rifles allegedly stolen by the gang from their hideout. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend another suspect believed to be on the run. The case is being investigated by the SCID in Port Harcourt.
The police also reported breakthroughs in Imo State, where operatives arrested a suspected native doctor alleged to have links with the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN). Another suspected cultist was arrested during a raid on a cult initiation camp. Security operatives recovered two Beretta pistols, a locally fabricated pistol and live ammunition during the operations. The SCID in Owerri is investigating the incidents.
In Kaduna State, police operatives rescued a kidnapped motor boy during a gun battle with suspected bandits on August 1. The victim was rescued unharmed and reunited with the truck driver, while security personnel have intensified efforts to recover the stolen truck and arrest the fleeing suspects. The investigation is being coordinated by the SCID in Kaduna.
A joint security team also recorded success in Kogi State, rescuing four kidnapped victims during bush-combing operations on August 2. Police said the victims had since been reunited with their families, while a manhunt had been launched to apprehend the fleeing kidnappers. The SCID in Lokoja is leading the investigation.
In Enugu State, a joint security operation conducted between August 1 and 2 led to the arrest of five suspects allegedly found in possession of firearms, live cartridges and motorcycles. During the operation, security operatives rescued an abducted church official, while efforts continue to secure the release of other victims believed to remain in captivity. The SCID in Enugu is handling the case.
Police detectives in Anambra State also arrested a suspected notorious kidnap kingpin on August 3. According to the Force, the suspect allegedly confessed to participating in several kidnapping operations, while investigators recovered mobile phones said to contain incriminating videos and operational voice notes. The investigation has been transferred to the SCID in Awka.
In Taraba State, police arrested a suspected kidnapper on July 31 who was allegedly linked to a notorious criminal gang. Investigators said the suspect had provided useful intelligence to aid the arrest of other members of the syndicate. The case remains under investigation by the SCID in Jalingo.
Meanwhile, in Akwa Ibom State, police operatives arrested four suspects during a raid on a suspected criminal hideout between August 1 and 2, recovering large quantities of suspected illicit drugs. In a separate operation, two additional suspects were arrested in connection with a high-profile kidnapping investigation. The SCID in Uyo is continuing investigations into both cases.
