By Joy Onu
The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a string of operational successes across the country, rescuing kidnapped victims, arresting suspected criminals, recovering firearms and ammunition, and thwarting attacks in coordinated intelligence-led operations aimed at tackling kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, cybercrime and banditry.
According to the Police operational briefing for July 16, 2026, the nationwide operations were carried out in collaboration with the military, local vigilantes, hunters, the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and other security stakeholders, resulting in the rescue of 13 kidnapped victims, the arrest of 21 suspects, the recovery of seven firearms and 39 rounds of live ammunition, while two suspected kidnappers were neutralised during an exchange of gunfire.
One of the biggest breakthroughs was recorded in Edo State, where a joint operation involving the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army and the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) led to the rescue of three kidnapped students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU). The victims, Favour Okoroje, 21, Precious Balogun, 19, and Praise Bagbalo, 18 were freed after security operatives tracked their abductors to a hideout.
The operation also yielded the recovery of three AK-47 rifles with magazines and 39 rounds of live 7.62mm ammunition. Two suspected kidnappers were neutralised during the gun battle, while other gang members escaped with gunshot wounds. Police said a manhunt has been launched to apprehend the fleeing suspects, while the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Benin City has commenced further investigation.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command also recorded multiple breakthroughs. Acting on credible intelligence, operatives rescued 24-year-old Deborah Ogila from Ara Forest in neighbouring Nasarawa State after strategically blocking the kidnappers’ escape routes.
In a separate operation, police dismantled a suspected “one-chance” robbery syndicate with the arrest of three male suspects travelling in a navy blue Volkswagen Golf bearing registration number RSH 621 BR. Recovered from the suspects were a female wig, a screwdriver, a knife, a rope, a pair of scissors, suspected hard drugs, an iron umbrella handle and three mobile phones believed to have been used in criminal operations.
Security operatives also foiled an attack through a coordinated deployment involving the 36 Police Mobile Force (PMF), the Operations Department, the Civilian Joint Task Force and local vigilantes, rescuing Hakimin Badariya and members of his family. Although three labourers sustained injuries during the incident, they were evacuated for medical treatment.
Beyond crime-fighting operations, the command restored normal traffic along the Abuja-Lokoja Highway at Yangoji after peacefully resolving a blockade mounted by protesting trailer drivers without any loss of life.
Elsewhere in Kebbi State, another coordinated security operation foiled a kidnapping attempt in Hubbare area of Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area. The combined team successfully rescued Hakimin Badariya, Urotu Shehu and members of his family from armed attackers.
The operation, which involved personnel of the 36 PMF, the Police Operations Department, the CJTF and local vigilantes, also ensured that three injured labourers were taken to Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital for treatment before normalcy was restored.
Bauchi State Police Command equally recorded major successes against violent crime. Detectives arrested all seven suspects involved in the attack on Rahama House, an off-campus students’ lodge, where occupants were assaulted with machetes and robbed of two Android mobile phones.
The command also rescued Alhaji Gide Mai Yara, 40, who had been kidnapped in Kirfi Local Government Area. His rescue followed an intensive manhunt involving police patrol teams, local hunters and vigilantes.
On the cybercrime front, police in Nasarawa State raided a suspected internet fraud hideout in Rugan Madaki, arresting six suspects. Recovered during the operation were one Makarov pistol, four GSM phones, multiple ATM cards and nine laptop computers. Investigations are continuing to identify and apprehend other members of the syndicate.
Delta State also recorded significant progress through intelligence gathering and collaboration with the Civilian Anti-Cult Group. Operatives arrested two suspected armed robbers identified as Stephen Danladi, 29, from Plateau State, and Jude Christian, 26, from Imo State, along the Asaba-Benin Expressway.
The operation led to the recovery of two locally made pistols and a screwdriver. Further interrogation of the suspects enabled investigators to arrest an alleged gun runner, Jerry Egenus, at Emmavis Hotel in Ogwashi-Uku, widening the scope of the investigation into the criminal network.
Further north, police in Taraba State arrested an 18-year-old suspected cultist, Usman A. Usman, a student of Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau Institute, after he was allegedly found with a mini revolver pistol during an altercation. The firearm was recovered, while a manhunt has commenced for his suspected accomplice, Akilu Alhassan, and other fleeing cult members.
In Gombe State, detectives arrested Mohammed Rabiu, 18, over the alleged killing of 16-year-old Abdulhamid Lawe. Police said the suspect allegedly struck the victim with a walking stick, causing injuries that proved fatal. The walking stick was recovered as an exhibit, while the victim was certified dead at Cottage Hospital, Kwami.
Police also responded swiftly to an emerging security threat in Zamfara State after intelligence indicated that bandits had planted an improvised explosive device (IED) along the Kwarin Ganuwa-Keta Road in Tsafe Local Government Area. Tactical teams and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) personnel confirmed the device had been concealed inside a pit after allegedly being transported from Munhaye Forest to target security personnel and unsuspecting road users. Efforts to safely identify and detonate the explosive are ongoing.
In Sokoto State, police, working alongside personnel of the Army Forward Operating Base, the Village Community Response Unit (VCRU) and anti-kidnapping squads, responded to a bandit attack on Gundunga Village in Kware Local Government Area. The joint operation led to the recovery of two rustled camels, while deceased and injured victims were evacuated to hospital. Security teams have continued combing surrounding bushes to recover additional stolen livestock and apprehend the fleeing attackers.
Niger State witnessed two separate security responses. Tactical teams were deployed to Kadiba Village following an attack in which vigilantes allegedly killed three Fulani persons, with the victims’ bodies evacuated for autopsy as investigations commenced.
In another incident, police responded to an armed robbery ambush involving Alhaji Usman and Suleiman Mohammed, who were dispossessed of their mobile phones and ₦1.1 million. Suleiman Mohammed later died from injuries sustained during the attack.
Meanwhile, police in Kano State mobilised operatives to Zakawa Community in Nasarawa Yanchibi following reports of a large group of armed men suspected to be bandits and cattle rustlers. Operations are continuing to apprehend the suspects and recover any illegal weapons.
The nationwide operations come amid sustained efforts by the Nigeria Police Force to curb kidnapping, armed robbery, banditry and other violent crimes through intelligence-led policing and stronger collaboration with sister security agencies and community-based security groups.
While investigations continue and several suspects remain at large, the operations underscore the Nigeria Police Force’s increasing reliance on intelligence gathering, rapid tactical deployments and inter-agency collaboration to deny criminal networks operational space and improve public safety across the country.
