The Nigeria Police Force has successfully rescued 12 individuals who were victims of kidnapping during recent operations conducted across multiple states from September 29 to October 2, 2026. The operations also led to the recovery of various firearms and the arrest of several suspects involved in criminal activities.

In Taraba State, police operatives managed to rescue three out of five individuals who had been abducted. The victims were returned safely to their families following sustained efforts to pressure the kidnappers. Similarly, in Ogun State, nine travelers who were kidnapped during a joint security operation were found unharmed and reunited with their relatives after necessary debriefing.

On October 2, police in Sokoto State thwarted an attempted attack by armed bandits on Tsabre Village. The bandits retreated into the forest after encountering police tactical teams and members of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit. A search of the area yielded significant findings, including two rocket launchers and empty AK-47 magazines, along with a mobile phone and other items. Fortunately, there were no casualties reported among the security teams or local residents.

In a separate incident in Katsina State, police successfully repelled bandits who were targeting motorists along the Funtua-Zaria Road on October 1, allowing normal traffic flow to resume. Meanwhile, in Benue State, police engaged in a confrontation with suspected bandits along the Amaafu-Abaji Road, resulting in the death of one suspect and the recovery of a locally manufactured firearm.

The police also conducted operations in Oyo State, where three men suspected of armed robbery were arrested in Ibadan. They were identified during a police parade, and an iPhone 7 Plus, believed to belong to a robbery victim, was recovered. In Akwa Ibom State, three suspects were apprehended at a hideout in Itiam Etoi Village, where substances suspected to be cannabis were seized.

Further operations in Ogun State led to the arrest of three suspected cult members, with police recovering various items including cannabis, laptops, and drug paraphernalia. Additionally, in Cross River State, detectives arrested a suspect linked to a reported threat to life and recovered a locally fabricated gun.

In Ebonyi State, police apprehended a suspect at a hideout, seizing a locally made short gun. In Enugu State, a suspect was arrested for the alleged murder of a 16-year-old boy, with the victim's body and the weapon used in the crime recovered. Lastly, in Ekiti State, police arrested a suspect in connection with the death of a microfinance bank employee, with the body sent for autopsy.

The Nigeria Police Force has stated that investigations into these incidents are ongoing at the various State Criminal Investigation Departments, as they continue to combat crime and ensure the safety of citizens across the nation.