Crime

Police Record Arrests, Rescue Operation and Arms Recoveries Across Six States and FCT

Published September 15, 2026 · rdammy028

The Nigeria Police Force recorded a series of operational successes across Zamfara, Imo, Katsina, Oyo, Gombe, Delta and the Federal Capital Territory on September 12, 2026, including arrests of suspected criminals, recovery of ammunition and firearms, rescue of a kidnapped victim and retrieval of stolen property.

The developments were contained in the State-by-State Executive Summary of police operational successes released for September 14, 2026.

Zamfara: 1,123 Rounds of Ammunition Recovered

In Zamfara State, police operatives intercepted a vehicle at a checkpoint in Maru Local Government Area and arrested three suspects.

According to the operational summary, officers recovered 1,123 rounds of 7.62mm AK-47 live ammunition concealed inside the vehicle.

The suspects and recovered ammunition were transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Gusau for investigation.

Imo: Three Arrested, 13 Motorcycles Recovered

Police operatives in Imo State arrested three suspected armed robbers at a hideout and recovered 13 stolen motorcycles.

Other items recovered included an unregistered Toyota Sienna bus, motorcycle spare parts and additional exhibits.

Preliminary investigations indicated that some of the motorcycles were allegedly stolen at gunpoint. The SCID in Owerri is investigating the case.

Katsina: Banditry and Abduction Cases

In Katsina State, police tactical teams engaged suspected armed bandits in a gun duel. The suspects reportedly fled into the bush with gunshot injuries.

One suspect was arrested, while 15 cows and 35 sheep allegedly rustled by the suspects were recovered.

In a separate operation in the state, three suspected bandits were arrested in connection with the abduction of an elderly victim.

Police said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects allegedly conspired to abduct the victim and collected a ₦3 million ransom before releasing him after 16 days in captivity.

Both cases are being investigated by the SCID in Katsina.

Oyo: Kidnapped Victim Rescued

In Oyo State, a combined team of police operatives and other security personnel conducted a search operation in surrounding bushes following a kidnapping incident.

The operation reportedly forced the abductors to abandon the victim and flee.

The kidnapped victim was rescued unharmed, while the SCID in Ibadan continues to investigate the incident.

Gombe: Robbery, Explosives and Cable Vandalisation Cases

Police operations in Gombe State produced several arrests and recoveries.

In one case, officers arrested a suspected armed robber following an attack on a residence. A stolen motorcycle was recovered, alongside two locally made explosive devices and other exhibits reportedly abandoned by fleeing suspects.

In a separate robbery investigation, another suspected armed robber was arrested and a stolen motorcycle recovered following an attack on a residence.

Police also arrested a suspect allegedly involved in the vandalisation of infrastructure. The suspect was reportedly found with stolen armoured cables. A saw and pliers allegedly used in the vandalisation were also recovered.

The cases are being investigated by the SCID in Gombe.

Delta: Firearm and Ammunition Recovered

In Delta State, police operatives arrested a suspect who was allegedly found in possession of a pump-action gun and 18 live cartridges.

The case has been transferred to the SCID in Asaba for investigation.

FCT: Suspect Arrested Over Alleged Homicide

In the Federal Capital Territory, police operatives traced and arrested a suspect accused of stabbing a male victim to death.

According to the operational summary, the suspect allegedly fled the scene after the incident before being traced and arrested by police.

The Criminal Investigation Department in Abuja is investigating the case.

Ongoing Investigations

The reported operations reflect the Nigeria Police Force’s continuing efforts to tackle armed robbery, banditry, kidnapping, violent crime, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, theft and vandalisation.

However, the suspects remain subject to investigation and due legal process. Allegations against them have not been established as convictions.

The cases remain under investigation by the relevant police criminal investigation departments, with further developments expected as inquiries progress.

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