Police Arrest 15 Suspects, Rescue 12 Kidnap Victims in 24-Hour Nationwide Operations
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has recorded significant operational successes across the country, arresting 15 suspects, rescuing 12 kidnapped victims, and recovering firearms, ammunition, vehicles and other exhibits during coordinated operations carried out within the last 24 hours.
According to the Force Daily Situation Report for July 13, 2026, the operations covered 11 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with investigations continuing into the various cases.
In Niger State, police tactical teams, working alongside local vigilantes, engaged suspected bandits in a gun duel at Mangoro Village in Mariga Local Government Area, overpowering the criminals and rescuing 11 abducted victims unharmed. The victims were debriefed and reunited with their families. Detectives also arrested one suspect in connection with a fatal land dispute in Agaie LGA.
In Oyo State, operatives arrested three suspects in separate operations. During a stop-and-search exercise in Bodija, Ibadan, officers recovered a locally fabricated pistol, one live cartridge and suspected tramadol sachets from a suspect. In another operation, the Anti-Kidnapping Squad rescued a five-year-old abducted child, Fikayo Gbemiga, and arrested two suspects who allegedly demanded a ₦10 million ransom and received ₦1 million before their arrest.
In Kano State, police acting on intelligence arrested a suspect allegedly impersonating a military officer. Recovered items included an AK-47 magazine loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition, an additional 29 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, military uniforms, boots, caps and suspected fake identity documents.
In the Federal Capital Territory, operatives attached to the Gwagwalada Division arrested one suspect and recovered a locally fabricated firearm during an intelligence-led operation.
Edo State police arrested three suspects linked to the vandalism of MTN telecommunications infrastructure. Recovered exhibits included a Toyota Yaris vehicle, a cutlass, a dagger and 12 heavy-duty batteries.
In Gombe State, two suspects were arrested after officers intercepted a vehicle conveying two suspected stolen cows. One of the suspects allegedly assaulted a police corporal during the operation, while another accomplice escaped.
Ogun State police arrested four suspects in separate cases involving alleged defilement, impersonation and assault. Recovered exhibits included military attire allegedly used in the impersonation.
Meanwhile, police in Plateau, Zamfara, Akwa Ibom, Benue and Bauchi states responded to various violent incidents, including armed bandit attacks, robbery, murder and kidnapping. Security personnel were deployed to restore calm, evacuate victims, commence investigations and intensify efforts to arrest the perpetrators.
Nationally, the Force recorded 15 arrests, recovered two firearms, 60 rounds of ammunition and two vehicles, while rescuing 12 kidnapped victims. No suspect was neutralized during the reporting period.
The Nigeria Police Force said investigations are ongoing across the affected states as efforts continue to apprehend fleeing suspects and strengthen public safety nationwide.
