Police Foil Attacks, Recover Arms Across 10 States

The Nigeria Police Force has reported a series of operational successes across 10 states, including the rescue of four kidnapped victims, arrest of several suspects and recovery of firearms, ammunition, an explosive device and counterfeit currency.

The operations, conducted between August 17 and 18, also saw police repel a suspected bandit attack in Katsina, disrupt an alleged kidnapping syndicate in Ebonyi and prevent suspected armed robbery incidents in Ogun.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja, CSP Ani Iniedu, ANIPR, disclosed the developments in the State-by-State Executive Summary of the Nigeria Police Force Operational Success for August 19, 2026.

In Abia State, police operatives arrested a 55-year-old man allegedly attempting to vandalise rail tracks along the Aba-Owerri railway corridor on August 18.

A pump-action gun, a vehicle, metal cutter, two machetes and a mobile phone were recovered from the suspect. The case is being investigated by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Umuahia.

In Enugu State, police operations yielded several recoveries. Three suspects were arrested following raids on suspected criminal hideouts in Awgu and Oji-River Local Government Areas on August 17.

The operatives recovered two AK-47 rifles, 55 rounds of live ammunition, three magazines, an explosive device and three machetes.

In a separate operation on the same day, police officers on stop-and-search duty along Lagos Street, Enugu, intercepted a commercial tricycle and arrested two suspects. One locally made pistol and eight live cartridges were recovered.

Police also rescued a suspected transformer vandal who was found unconscious inside a transformer at Obollo-Afor after suffering severe burns from electrocution. He was evacuated for medical treatment while investigation continues.

Another operation in Enugu on August 18 resulted in the rescue of three kidnapped victims after police patrol officers engaged five armed hoodlums along the Port Harcourt Expressway.

According to the police, the hoodlums had abducted the victims and snatched a vehicle but were forced to abandon the vehicle and flee following the encounter.

The three victims were rescued unharmed, while a locally fabricated pistol, a cut-to-size firearm, ammunition, a magazine, hand gloves, a face mask and the stolen vehicle were recovered.

In Ebonyi State, two suspects were arrested at Ebebe Junction on August 18 after police operatives intercepted them while on patrol. Two pump-action rifles were recovered.

In another operation at the same location, police intercepted a suspected kidnapping syndicate shortly after a victim had been abducted. The victim was rescued unharmed, while one suspect was arrested and three others escaped.

A Toyota Camry allegedly used by the syndicate and two mobile phones were recovered.

In Katsina State, police tactical operatives repelled a suspected bandit attack along the Sabuwa-Marabar Yakawada Road on August 17.

The operatives engaged the attackers in a sustained gunfight and successfully forced them to retreat. The police said no life was lost and no firearm was recorded as lost during the encounter.

In Oyo State, four suspects were arrested in connection with alleged counterfeit currency operations.

Two suspects were initially arrested while allegedly attempting to use counterfeit money to purchase goods. Information obtained from them reportedly led detectives to a hideout, where two additional suspects were arrested.

Counterfeit currency valued at N1.211 million was recovered.

In Ogun State, police operatives responding to distress calls about armed robbery incidents in Atan-Ota forced suspected robbers to flee.

An abandoned backpack containing a mobile phone, iPad, electric pressing iron, earpod, clothes and medication was recovered.

Police also foiled a mob action in Sagamu, rescuing an unidentified man who had allegedly been severely assaulted by an angry mob. The victim was taken to hospital and was said to be responding to treatment.

In Osun State, police arrested a suspect over the death of a woman in Ikirun on August 17. The police said efforts were ongoing to arrest the principal suspect linked to the incident.

In Plateau State, one suspect was arrested following a deadly attack in Mangu Local Government Area on August 18.

The Commissioner of Police and senior officers visited the affected community to assess the situation, while additional security personnel were deployed to prevent further escalation and restore confidence among residents.

In Yobe State, police operatives responding to an attack by armed hoodlums in Fika Local Government Area engaged the suspects, killing one and arresting another.

Bows, arrows, a cutlass and a bag containing charms were recovered during the operation.

The police said the various cases were being investigated by the respective State Criminal Investigation Departments, with efforts ongoing to apprehend fleeing suspects and establish the full circumstances surrounding the incidents.