Nigeria has intensified its fight against kidnapping and organised crime after police rescued eight kidnap victims, arrested seven suspects and recovered stolen property in coordinated security operations carried out across several states.
The Nigeria Police Force said the operations, conducted within the last 24 hours, underscore its renewed commitment to tackling kidnapping, banditry, armed robbery and other violent crimes threatening public safety across the country.
In Imo State, police operatives foiled a kidnapping attempt after exchanging gunfire with suspected kidnappers, who fled into nearby bushes. Seven abducted victims were rescued unharmed, while officers recovered two vehicles belonging to the victims.
A separate joint security operation in Ondo State also prevented another kidnapping, rescuing the intended victim safely. Investigators recovered spent AK-47 ammunition from the scene.
In Bayelsa State, detectives arrested a suspect linked to the alleged theft of government property valued at about ₦500 million. Authorities said investigations are continuing to recover the remaining stolen assets and apprehend other members of the suspected criminal network.
Police also recorded breakthroughs in Katsina State, where security operatives disrupted a cattle-rustling operation and arrested a suspect accused of supplying illicit drugs to bandits. Officers recovered a motorcycle and 500 tablets of suspected illegal substances.
In Gombe State, detectives arrested a suspect connected to a homicide investigation and recovered a Beretta pistol believed to have been abandoned by fleeing criminals. In Ekiti State, police arrested three suspects over the alleged theft of fertiliser and recovered eight stolen bags.
Meanwhile, a joint Police and Joint Task Force operation in Kano State recovered rustled cattle after suspected criminals fled, while police in Sokoto arrested a suspect alleged to be an informant and financier for bandits. Officers recovered three SIM cards and two mobile phones during the operation.
In Akwa Ibom State, operatives conducting stop-and-search operations arrested a suspect allegedly found with a concealed double-barrel firearm.
Police said rescue missions and investigations remain ongoing in Bauchi, Niger, Kwara, Kebbi and Nasarawa states following separate kidnapping cases, while intelligence-led operations are underway in Ogun State to track suspects linked to multiple armed robbery incidents.
The Nigeria Police Force said the nationwide operations reflect its sustained efforts to dismantle criminal networks, strengthen national security and protect communities from violent crime.
