The Nigeria Police Force has rescued four kidnapped victims, arrested three suspected armed robbers and recovered several firearms and rounds of ammunition during separate operations across seven states.
The operations, conducted between August 29 and 30, 2026, also resulted in the neutralisation of five suspected kidnappers and bandits, according to the police.
In Ogun State, police operatives rescued Usman Umar, who had been kidnapped, after combing the surrounding forest.
The operatives later stormed the kidnappers’ hideout and engaged the suspects in a gun duel, during which two suspected kidnappers were neutralised, while others reportedly escaped with bullet wounds.
Two AK-47 rifles, 25 rounds of 5.6mm ammunition and two mobile phones were recovered.
The police said the operation demonstrated its determination to rescue victims and dismantle criminal hideouts.
In Sokoto State, police tactical teams, including the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, VCRU and military personnel, foiled a bandit attack after intercepting armed suspects moving towards Maikujera Village.
The security teams engaged the bandits in a prolonged gun duel before subsequent bush-combing operations led to the neutralisation of three suspects.
One AK-47 rifle and 22 rounds of live ammunition were recovered.
The police said no casualties were recorded among security personnel or villagers, while the remaining suspects fled with casualties.
In Kano State, police tactical teams rescued Alhaji Yusif Nadabo after suspected bandits abandoned him while fleeing from security operatives following an attack in Garun Mallam Town.
The police said, “Police tactical teams gave the suspected bandits a hot chase, forcing them to abandon the abducted victim, who was successfully rescued.”
However, three other victims who sustained gunshot injuries during the attack were evacuated for medical attention but were later confirmed dead.
In Abia State, police operatives recovered firearms, ammunition and other exhibits from Okohia Forest in Ukwa West Local Government Area.
The operation followed what the police described as “credible intelligence” that suspected armed hoodlums were attempting to establish a camp in the forest.
According to the police, “The hoodlums fled on sighting the Police team,” while a subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of one locally made pistol, 40 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition and two rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.
Four empty magazines, a military camouflage uniform, substances suspected to be Indian hemp and other exhibits were also recovered.
In Lagos State, police tactical operatives arrested three suspected members of an armed robbery and carjacking syndicate following intelligence-led surveillance.
Two locally made pistols loaded with five cartridges and one locally made revolver pistol loaded with three rounds of 9mm ammunition were recovered.
The police said, “Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate.”
In Katsina State, police tactical personnel engaged suspected cattle rustlers in a gun duel following an attack on cattle rearers at Tafoki Village.
The police said the suspects were overpowered and all five rustled cows were recovered.
“Injured victims were rescued and conveyed to Funtua General Hospital for treatment,” the police said.
In Taraba State, police personnel from 67 PMF Takum, Highway Patrol and a DPO-led team rescued 55-year-old Alidoo Cecilia Ityo and her granddaughter following a reported kidnapping incident.
The police said the two victims were “successfully rescued after being abandoned by the kidnappers.”
A red Toyota Corolla, with registration number JMT-680-XA, which was allegedly abandoned by the kidnappers, was also recovered.
The police said investigations into the various incidents were ongoing, with the respective State Criminal Investigation Departments handling the cases.
The operations, according to the Force, form part of ongoing efforts to strengthen intelligence-led policing, rescue victims, recover illegal arms and disrupt the activities of criminal networks across the country.