Police Foil Kidnap Attacks, Arrest Suspects Across 11 States in 24hrs

The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a string of operational successes across 11 states within the last 24 hours, foiling bandit and kidnapping attacks, arresting suspected criminals and recovering firearms, ammunition, stolen vehicles and livestock.

The operations, detailed in a statement on Monday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, covered Sokoto, Plateau, Enugu, Bauchi, Ogun, Ebonyi, Kano, Lagos, Ondo, Akwa Ibom and Katsina states.

In Sokoto State, joint security operatives repelled a bandit attack after what the police described as a fierce gun battle. Five magazines loaded with 40 rounds of live ammunition were recovered, while confidence-building patrols and bush-combing operations have been intensified. The State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) is investigating the incident.

A similar operation in Katsina State saw security operatives repel a large-scale bandit attack, forcing the assailants to flee with what the police described as heavy casualties. Security has since been reinforced in the affected communities as investigations continue.

In Plateau State, joint police personnel and operatives of the Police Mobile Force (PMF) also repelled an attack by armed assailants, restoring calm to the area. Reinforcements have been deployed, while efforts are underway to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

Enugu State recorded multiple breakthroughs. Five suspected cultists were arrested during a coordinated operation that led to the recovery of a pump-action gun and three live cartridges. Police said efforts were ongoing to arrest other members of the gang who escaped.

The command also recovered a locally fabricated pistol following the confession of a suspect already in custody.

In Bauchi State, police operatives, working alongside local vigilantes and hunters, foiled a kidnapping attempt, neutralising one of the suspected kidnappers. Three empty AK-47 shells were recovered from the scene.

Ogun State witnessed two separate operations. Police arrested two suspects over alleged cattle rustling and recovered six stolen cows as well as an abandoned vehicle. Investigators are pursuing other fleeing suspects and the remaining missing cow.

In another operation, one suspected armed robber was arrested and a stolen motorcycle recovered.

The police also arrested a murder suspect in Ebonyi State, while tactical teams restored normalcy after repelling a violent mob attack. Security patrols have since been strengthened as investigations continue.

In Kano State, operatives arrested a suspect over alleged child trafficking and rescued three female children.

Similarly, police in Lagos arrested a suspected armed robber during a routine patrol and recovered a locally fabricated pistol. Efforts are ongoing to arrest the suspect’s accomplices.

In Ondo State, two suspected kidnappers and armed robbers were apprehended. The operation led to the recovery of a stolen Lexus RX350 SUV, a firearm, a stolen mobile phone and other exhibits.

Meanwhile, in Akwa Ibom State, four suspected criminals were arrested following credible intelligence. A locally made pistol was recovered, while police said another suspect remains at large.

The Force Headquarters said investigations into the various cases had been transferred to the respective State Criminal Investigation Departments for further action.