POLICE KILL SUSPECTED BANDITS, RESCUE KIDNAP VICTIM, ARREST 21 ACROSS STATES

The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a series of operational successes across eight states, with several suspected bandits neutralised, kidnapped victims rescued and 21 suspects arrested in separate operations. The operations also led to the recovery of firearms, ammunition and suspected illicit drugs as security personnel intensified efforts against banditry, kidnapping, drug trafficking and other criminal activities across the country.

In Sokoto State, police tactical teams reportedly foiled an attempted attack on Yadiya Village on September 6 after engaging the suspected bandits in a gun battle. Four suspects were neutralised during the confrontation, while operatives recovered an AK-47 rifle, a magazine and 28 rounds of ammunition. The police said no security personnel or residents were injured during the operation. In Niger State, officers also engaged bandits following an attack on Pelegi Community in Mashegu Local Government Area, killing one suspected attacker, although five victims who were abducted during the incident were yet to be rescued as efforts continued.

The police also reported significant developments in Rivers and Kebbi states. In Rivers, operatives rescued 41-year-old Kingsley Aleaga, who had allegedly spent four days in captivity in Ogale, Eleme Local Government Area. Three suspects were arrested during the operation, with suspected hard drugs recovered. In Kebbi State, personnel of the Police Mobile Force engaged armed attackers for more than two hours after coming under attack during a routine patrol. Several of the assailants were reportedly neutralised before reinforcements arrived and restored normalcy in the area.

Other operations targeted suspected criminal networks in Abia and Anambra states. In Abia, four suspects were arrested over an alleged attempt to sell a one-year-four-month-old child, while the child was rescued and placed in protective custody. In Anambra, operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad raided a suspected drug hideout in Umuota Village, Obosi, arresting five alleged major drug dealers. Police said cannabis, methamphetamine, cocaine, Colorado and ₦19,000 in cash were recovered during the operation.

The latest operations underline the police force’s continued reliance on tactical deployments and intelligence-led operations to disrupt criminal groups across different parts of the country. Authorities said efforts would continue to rescue remaining victims, track fleeing suspects and dismantle criminal networks, as security agencies intensify operations against banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and drug-related offences.