POLICE NAB 13 SUSPECTS IN NATIONWIDE CRACKDOWN ON MURDER, CHILD ABUSE

The Nigeria Police Force has arrested at least 13 suspects in connection with serious criminal offences, including murder, gun-related crimes, child defilement and indecent assault, following a series of operations carried out across different parts of the country.

The arrests were contained in the State-by-State Executive Summary of the police’s operational activities between August 30 and 31, 2026. The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Iniedu, disclosed the development on Tuesday as the police highlighted the outcome of recent security operations across several states.

According to the police, the operations resulted not only in the arrest of suspects but also in the recovery of firearms and ammunition. The Force said the operations formed part of its ongoing efforts to tackle violent crimes and other offences threatening public safety.

One of the major incidents recorded during the period occurred in Zamfara State, where police and other security agencies reportedly foiled an attack by suspected bandits who had intercepted a passenger truck.

The armed attackers were said to have abducted all the passengers travelling in the vehicle before setting the truck ablaze. Security personnel subsequently engaged the suspected bandits in a gun battle, forcing the attackers to retreat towards the forest.

The police said some of the fleeing bandits were believed to have sustained gunshot injuries during the confrontation. Despite the attack and the burning of the vehicle, all the passengers who had been abducted were successfully rescued and were said to be unharmed.

The development was among the security successes highlighted by the Force as part of its nationwide operations against criminal elements. Police authorities said the outcome demonstrated the importance of coordinated operations involving different security agencies in responding to violent attacks and hostage situations.

Beyond the Zamfara operation, the police also recorded arrests linked to homicide, firearms-related offences and crimes against children in different parts of the country. The suspects are expected to face further investigation to establish their individual roles in the offences for which they were arrested.

The Force has continued to intensify operations against violent criminals as security agencies face persistent challenges involving banditry, kidnapping, gun violence and other forms of criminality across various parts of Nigeria.

The police also emphasised that investigations would be conducted to gather evidence against the arrested suspects before prosecution. The arrests, according to the Force, are part of a broader strategy aimed at disrupting criminal networks and preventing offenders from operating freely.

Cases involving child defilement and indecent assault are also being treated as serious offences, with the police continuing to pursue individuals suspected of exploiting or abusing vulnerable members of society.

The latest arrests come amid increased calls for security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering, surveillance and rapid response mechanisms, particularly in communities vulnerable to violent crime.

The Nigeria Police Force has maintained that its operations will continue across the country, with personnel expected to pursue individuals suspected of involvement in violent and other serious criminal activities.

The Force also urged members of the public to cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information that could assist in identifying criminal suspects and preventing attacks.

The police said members of the public should remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the appropriate security authorities as investigations into the latest arrests and recovered weapons continue.