The Nigeria Police Force has arrested 16 suspects in separate operations across eight states in a nationwide crackdown on criminal activities. The arrests were made in Oyo, Delta, Kogi, Kano, and Bayelsa states, and were carried out between September 17 and 20, 2026. The suspects were arrested for alleged kidnapping, armed robbery, homicide, sexual offences, cultism, and drug-related activities.
In Oyo State, police operatives recorded four arrests in separate operations between September 17 and 18, 2026. A suspected member of a kidnapping syndicate was arrested at Kanbi Village on September 18, while two additional suspects were arrested for allegedly concealing kidnapping activities. A suspected serving personnel of a sister security agency was also arrested in connection with an alleged armed robbery and abduction in Ibadan on September 17.
The police also recovered a blue Toyota Camry allegedly used during the operation in Ibadan. In addition, two suspects were arrested in connection with alleged sexual offences in Oyo State, including a suspect arrested over the alleged sexual assault of a three-year-old girl in Saki. The victim was taken to a hospital for medical treatment, and a blood-stained boxer short and a Panasonic tape were recovered as exhibits.
In Delta State, six suspects were arrested in three separate operations. A suspect was arrested in connection with the alleged defilement of a minor in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State on September 18. Another suspect was arrested over the alleged defilement of an eight-year-old girl at Okwagbe Waterside Community in the same LGA. Three suspects were also arrested during a raid on a criminal black spot at Umusadege, Kwale in Delta State, for suspected drug trafficking and cult-related activities.
In Kogi State, two suspects were arrested in separate operations. A suspect was arrested following a fatal shooting at Ohunene Community, Ajaokuta LGA, on September 19, while another suspect was arrested following a reported missing-person case at Anyigba, Dekina LGA. The police recovered a gun allegedly involved in the Ajaokuta shooting.
In Kano State, a female suspect was arrested on September 18 in connection with the death of her husband at Katsalle Quarters, Rogo Local Government Area. In Bayelsa State, a murder suspect was moved to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Yenagoa for protective custody following community unrest at Ebedebiri, Sagbama LGA, on September 20.
The Nigeria Police Force's ongoing efforts to respond to credible intelligence, apprehend suspects, and disrupt criminal activities across the affected states led to the reported operations. The respective State Criminal Investigation Departments are investigating all the cases, while the police continue efforts to identify other persons connected with the alleged offences.
Key points
- The Nigeria Police Force arrested 16 suspects in separate operations across eight states.
- The arrests were made for alleged kidnapping, armed robbery, homicide, sexual offences, cultism, and drug-related activities.
- The police recovered various exhibits, including a blue Toyota Camry and a gun, during the operations.
