The Nigeria Police Force has intensified its nationwide offensive against banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery, drug trafficking, and other violent crimes, recording major breakthroughs in at least 10 states. The operations, conducted between September 8 and 9, 2026, resulted in the rescue of eight kidnapped victims, the neutralisation of three suspected bandits, and the arrest of scores of suspects. The police also recovered locally fabricated firearms, motorcycles, suspected illicit drugs, stolen livestock, and other exhibits.
In Kaduna state, police operatives, supported by vigilantes and local hunters, moved against suspected bandits following credible intelligence on the location of criminal camps at Auchanawa and Wambai. The operation reportedly resulted in a fierce gun battle between the security team and the bandits, leading to the neutralisation of two suspected bandits and the rescue of two kidnapped victims, 20-year-old Abubakar Zubairu and 18-year-old Farida Abubakar.
The Kaduna operation is significant because bandit groups operating in the region have increasingly relied on forested areas as hideouts from where they launch attacks, abduct residents, and move stolen property. The police said the rescue of the kidnapped victims represented another setback for the criminal network operating in the area, as security forces continued efforts to identify and dismantle its support structure.
In Katsina state, tactical police operatives foiled an attempted kidnapping at Mararabar Dayawa Forest in Kafur local government area, neutralising one suspected bandit and rescuing a 40-year-old kidnapped victim, Abubakar Al Hassan. The police also recovered two motorcycles allegedly belonging to the criminals. Additionally, security operatives responded to simultaneous attacks at Giginyu village and Khadija Bread Quarters in Dutsin-Ma local government area, forcing the assailants to flee and restoring normalcy to the affected communities.
In Gombe state, security operatives launched a joint clearance operation in Kowagel, Dukku local government area, and Bojude, Kwami local government area, leading to the arrest of 30-year-old Manu Alhaji Sani, who allegedly confessed to participating in kidnapping activities. The operation also resulted in the rescue of three kidnapped victims and the recovery of a Honda motorcycle and three keypad mobile phones.
Security expert Zagazola Makama said the latest pattern of operations demonstrated the importance of intelligence-led action, local information, and sustained pressure on criminal groups. He noted that the rescue of victims during active operations was particularly important because it denied kidnappers the opportunity to relocate victims, demand ransom, or use them as leverage against their families.
The police offensive was not limited to banditry and kidnapping, with operatives in Nasarawa state arresting two suspects, David Bitrus and Yakubu Bitrus, and recovering three locally fabricated single-barrel rifles. In Akwa Ibom state, two 19-year-old suspects, Francis Monday Jack and Shedrach Unong Okon, were arrested following a report of armed robbery, with the police recovering a stolen motorcycle.
Key points
- The Nigeria Police Force has recorded major breakthroughs in at least 10 states, rescuing 8 kidnapped victims and neutralising 3 suspected bandits.
- The police operations were conducted between September 8 and 9, 2026, and resulted in the arrest of scores of suspects and the recovery of various exhibits.
- Security experts have applauded the police for their intelligence-led operations, saying it has denied criminal groups freedom of movement and safe havens.
