Police Arrest Two Suspected Bandits, Recover N770,000 in Kwara

The Nigeria Police Force has arrested two suspected bandits in Kwara State and recovered N770,000 cash, two smartphones and other items from them.

The development was disclosed in the State-by-State Executive Summary of the Nigeria Police Force Operational Successes for September 6, 2026, signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja, CSP Ani Iniedu.

The suspects, Abubakar Umar, 25, and Umar Ayuba, 25, were arrested on September 2 following intelligence-led operations by police operatives and local vigilantes.

Police said the suspects were suspected of involvement in kidnapping and banditry activities.

They were later handed over to military authorities for further questioning over their alleged involvement in a recent attack in Niger State.

In another Kwara operation, police arrested Afolabi Ayomide, 25, after receiving a report that a man was threatening people with a firearm at Avalon Hotel in Offa.

The operatives recovered a locally made Beretta pistol loaded with six rounds of ammunition from the suspect. The SCID in Ilorin is investigating the two cases.

In Nasarawa State, police operatives also arrested another suspect and recovered a firearm and a stolen motorcycle following an armed robbery.

The operation followed a robbery at Uluji Village in Keana Local Government Area on September 4.

As the suspects fled the scene, police operatives mounted checkpoints and engaged them in a gun duel.

Two suspects were intercepted and neutralised, while another suspect escaped.

The operatives recovered a pump-action rifle and the motorcycle allegedly stolen during the robbery.

Police also arrested Isaac Michael over his suspected involvement in the crime. The SCID in Lafia is investigating the case.

In Delta State, police rescued 60-year-old Nduka Omoyi after engaging his abductors in a gun battle at Alisime Village.

The operation followed geo-spatial intelligence that led a joint team of police operatives, forest guards and local personnel to the area.

The kidnappers fled into the bush with gunshot wounds after the exchange of fire.

Omoyi escaped unharmed, while the operatives recovered a mobile phone and an ATM card. The SCID in Asaba is handling the investigation.

Also in Zamfara State, police tactical teams and local vigilantes confronted armed bandits who blocked the Kwanar Shado-Malele Road.

The operatives engaged the bandits in a gun duel and forced them to retreat into the forest with gunshot wounds.

Police have continued bush-combing operations and a manhunt for the fleeing suspects.

In Abia State, police arrested Ogbonnaya Mba over an alleged threat to life involving a firearm.

A search of his residence led to the recovery of a pump-action gun and an AK-47 rifle magazine.

The command is also working to apprehend an alleged accomplice who fled after the incident.

Seven suspects were arrested in Oyo State over an attack on two members of a local vigilante group.

The attack occurred around Agate Mining Camp in Komu on September 4.

Police rescued the injured victims and took them to General Hospital, Komu, for treatment.

A manhunt is also underway for other suspects who escaped from the scene.

Meanwhile, police operatives in Delta State arrested 10 suspects during a raid on a suspected criminal hideout at Kes Valley Brothel, Abbi.

The operation followed credible intelligence received by the Command’s Anti-Cultism and Criminal Activities Unit.

Police recovered Tramadol, Swinnol, Canadian Loud and Indian hemp during the raid.

The suspects are undergoing profiling ahead of possible prosecution.

In Taraba State, police disrupted an attempt to process and transport vandalised pipes belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.

Two suspects, including an alleged receiver and a suspected vandal, were arrested.

The operatives recovered eight long vandalised pipes, two gas cylinders and 55 bags of cassava.

Police said the suspects allegedly intended to use the cassava to conceal the pipes during transportation.

The suspects also made statements that investigators are using to identify other members of the alleged syndicate.

In the Federal Capital Territory, detectives arrested Jude Tar, 27, over an alleged armed robbery and rape incident in Pegi.

The arrest followed a report that prompted detectives to commence investigation and deploy to the area.

Police said the suspect was assisting investigators in identifying and apprehending other alleged accomplices.

The FCT Command also arrested four suspected vandals near the National Mosque.

The suspects allegedly vandalised street solar lights during the September 4 operation.

Police recovered a vandalised solar street light and its pole as exhibits.

In Enugu State, police arrested three suspects accused of vandalising and stealing government infrastructure at Umueze in Nkanu West Local Government Area.

The operatives recovered stolen iron pans and street lights from the suspects.

Delta State also recorded other operational successes during the period.

Police recovered a locally made cut-to-size firearm after suspected hoodlums fled during a disturbance along Ibori Road in Oghara.

Anti-cultism operatives responded to the incident and recovered the weapon after one of the suspects abandoned it while fleeing.

At Effurun, police recovered a locally made shotgun allegedly used by fleeing armed robbers during a robbery incident. The weapon was abandoned as the suspects fled the scene.

Police also arrested three suspects after officers conducting an investigation came under attack at Ekiugbo Scrap Market.

Reinforcement teams moved into the area and arrested the suspects, while two motorcycles were recovered.

The Force said the various operations formed part of its ongoing efforts to tackle kidnapping, banditry, armed robbery, cultism, drug-related offences and vandalism across the country.

Investigations into the cases are continuing at the respective State Criminal Investigation Departments.