Nigeria's police force rescued 12 kidnapped people and arrested 15 suspects during coordinated operations spanning 11 states in a single day, the force announced on Monday. The nationwide sweep targeted kidnapping, armed robbery, vandalism, impersonation and other crimes.
In Niger State, officers working with local vigilantes exchanged gunfire with suspected bandits at Mangoro Village in Mariga Local Government Area. The shootout led to the rescue of 11 kidnapped victims who were later returned to their families unharmed.
Detectives in the same state arrested one suspect in connection with a killing linked to a land dispute. Police said investigations into the case are continuing.
An Oyo State operation freed a five-year-old child held by kidnappers after police used technology-driven methods to track the abductors. Two suspects arrested in the case allegedly confessed to demanding ₦10 million ransom, with ₦1 million already paid before the child's rescue.
Officers on patrol in Ibadan arrested another Oyo suspect and seized a locally made pistol, one live round and drugs suspected to be illegal. The man was held during a routine stop-and-search operation.
Edo State police arrested three people accused of vandalising telecommunications infrastructure in Benin City. The operation led to recovery of a Toyota Yaris car and 12 heavy-duty batteries believed stolen in an earlier incident.
In Kano, detectives acting on intelligence arrested a man accused of impersonating military personnel. Officers recovered an AK-47 magazine loaded with 30 rounds, an additional 29 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, military uniforms, desert boots and fake military identification cards.
Federal Capital Territory police arrested a suspect in Gwagwalada and recovered a locally made firearm during an intelligence operation. The arrest came as part of wider efforts to combat illegal weapons.
Gombe State officers intercepted a vehicle carrying two suspected stolen cows and arrested two men. A third suspect escaped but police said they're pursuing him.
Four Ogun State suspects faced arrest in separate cases involving alleged defilement, impersonation and assault. Police recovered military uniforms the suspects allegedly used to impersonate officials.
Tactical teams deployed to Plateau, Zamfara, Akwa Ibom, Benue and Bauchi states responded to violent incidents by evacuating casualties and restoring order. Investigations are ongoing in those states to identify and apprehend those responsible.
The force confirmed that overall operations yielded two firearms, 60 rounds of ammunition and two vehicles. Police said they're continuing investigations to arrest remaining suspects and prepare cases for prosecution.
