The Nigeria Police Force has arrested 1,334 suspects and rescued 383 kidnapped victims across the country in July and August. These actions were part of intelligence-led operations.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Anietie Inedu, a chief superintendent of police, shared this information on Tuesday in Abuja during a Joint Security News Briefing. This meeting included various security and law enforcement agencies.
Mr Inedu mentioned that these operations led to the recovery of 175 firearms, over 3,790 rounds of live ammunition, 93 vehicles, and several stolen cattle. He noted that 127 notorious criminals were neutralized during confrontations with police operatives and other security forces nationwide.
He explained that these successes show the force’s use of intelligence-led and technology-driven policing. The police also worked with other agencies and conducted tactical operations.
Mr Inedu highlighted that police tactical teams stopped a major attack after confronting a heavily armed group of about 240 bandits. They neutralized 17 of the attackers in this operation. He also mentioned that joint security operations rescued 32 kidnapped victims in Maikujera, located in Rabah Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
Another operation in Amla-Cho Forest forced armed bandits to abandon 13 kidnapped victims, who were later rescued unharmed. The police spokesperson stated that collaborative efforts involving police, vigilantes, and other security personnel resulted in the rescue of 76 victims in different incidents.
During this time, police operatives had significant success against kidnapping gangs in Kogi, Kaduna, Imo, Nasarawa, and other states. For instance, six victims were rescued after gunmen attacked two vehicles along the Kabba-Ayere Road. In another case, nine victims were rescued along the Mameramo-Adomu Road.
Mr Inedu also said police operatives disrupted the activities of an IPOB/ESN network in Imo. They neutralized a suspected leader and recovered two AK-47 rifles, four empty magazines, and a vehicle during the operation. He added that police operations led to the recovery of 551 rounds of AK-47 ammunition and 10 loaded magazines from a female suspect caught along the Doma-Yelwa Road.
A follow-up operation resulted in the arrest of another suspect linked to the ammunition supply network. Further investigations uncovered a larger criminal network. In another operation, police seized 870 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition from suspected gun-runners.
Mr Inedu reported that operatives arrested three suspects connected to the 29 June attack on police officers at Aluu Division. They recovered two AK-47 rifles that were stolen during that incident. Another operation led to the arrest of 18 suspects, with the recovery of 47 firearms, 12 stolen vehicles, and 420 rounds of ammunition.
The police also focused on cultism and armed robbery, arresting 37 suspected cult members during a disrupted initiation ceremony. Anti-kidnapping operatives arrested a native doctor linked to a previous abduction and murder case. They recovered two double-barrel guns and one single-barrel gun.
Mr Inedu confirmed that the force will continue with intelligence-led operations, inter-agency cooperation, and community engagement to weaken criminal networks further. "The Nigeria Police Force remains dedicated to securing the nation," he stated.
He praised police officers for their dedication and professionalism. He assured Nigerians that the force is committed to public safety and protecting lives and property.
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