Police catch 16 suspected robbers and cultists in major crackdown

The Nigeria Police Force has caught at least 16 suspects in different operations across eight states. They are facing charges for kidnapping, armed robbery, murder, sexual offences, cult activities, and drug-related crimes.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Ani Iniedu, shared this information in a report on police operations released on Sunday.

Iniedu said police in Oyo State made four arrests in separate operations between September 17 and 18, 2026. He mentioned that officers arrested a suspected member of a kidnapping gang at Kanbi Village on September 18. Two more suspects were caught for allegedly hiding kidnapping activities.

He added that police also arrested a suspected member of another security agency linked to an armed robbery and kidnapping in Ibadan on September 17. A blue Toyota Camry believed to be used in the crime was also recovered.

In Oyo State, two suspects were also arrested for alleged sexual crimes. One of them is accused of sexually assaulting a three-year-old girl in Saki. Police recovered a blood-stained boxer short and a Panasonic tape as evidence in this case. The victim was taken to the hospital for treatment.

In Delta State, Iniedu reported that six suspects were arrested during three different operations. "Police officers arrested one suspect linked to the alleged defilement of a minor in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State on September 18. Another suspect was arrested for allegedly defiling an eight-year-old girl at Okwagbe Waterside Community in the same area."

In addition, officers caught three suspects during a raid on a known criminal spot at Umusadege, Kwale in Delta State. They were suspected of drug trafficking and cult activities.

In Kogi State, Iniedu said two suspects were arrested in separate operations. The statement mentioned that detectives arrested one suspect after a fatal shooting in Ohunene Community, Ajaokuta LGA, on September 19. Another suspect was caught in connection with a missing-person case at Anyigba, Dekina LGA.

According to Iniedu, police recovered a gun that was allegedly used in the Ajaokuta shooting. In Kano State, police arrested a woman on September 18 connected to her husband's death at Katsalle Quarters, Rogo Local Government Area.

In Bayelsa State, Iniedu reported that police moved a murder suspect to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Yenagoa for safety. This was after community unrest in Ebedebiri, Sagbama LGA, on September 20. He said tactical teams were sent to the area to restore peace.

Iniedu confirmed that the State Criminal Investigation Departments are looking into all these cases. The police are also working to find others linked to the alleged crimes. "These operations are part of the Nigeria Police Force’s ongoing efforts to act on reliable intelligence, catch suspects, and stop criminal activities in the states involved," the statement concluded.