POLICE ARREST 16 SUSPECTS IN NATIONWIDE CRIME CRACKDOWN

** **

The Nigeria Police Force has arrested at least 16 suspects in separate operations across eight states over alleged kidnapping, armed robbery, homicide, sexual offences, cultism and drug-related activities.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Ani Iniedu, disclosed the arrests in a state-by-state summary of police operations released on Sunday.

In Oyo State, four arrests were recorded between September 17 and 18. Police said the suspects included an alleged member of a kidnapping syndicate and another suspected of involvement in armed robbery and abduction. A vehicle was also recovered.

Delta State recorded six arrests in separate operations involving alleged sexual offences, drug-related activities and cultism.

In Kogi State, two suspects were arrested in separate cases, including one linked to a fatal shooting in Ajaokuta and another to a missing-person investigation.

Police also reported arrests in Kano and Bayelsa states in connection with alleged homicide cases.

The Force said the suspects were being investigated by the respective State Criminal Investigation Departments, while efforts continued to identify other persons allegedly connected to the offences.

The police described the operations as part of ongoing efforts to respond to intelligence and disrupt criminal activities across the affected states.