Nigeria Police Arrest 173 Suspects, Rescue 32 Kidnap Victims In Nationwide Operations –situation Report

 

According to the police operational situation report covering June 8 to June 14, 2026 obtained by SaharaReporters on Sunday, at least 32 kidnapped victims were rescued, 33 firearms and over 450 rounds of live ammunition were recovered, while 13 suspected criminals were killed during various operations nationwide.

The Nigeria Police Force has announced the arrest of 173 suspects linked to terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism and murder across the country within one week.

According to the police operational situation report covering June 8 to June 14, 2026 obtained by SaharaReporters on Sunday, at least 32 kidnapped victims were rescued, 33 firearms and over 450 rounds of live ammunition were recovered, while 13 suspected criminals were killed during various operations nationwide.

According to the report, the suspects were arrested for various offences, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism and murder.

The police said the rescue of the kidnapped victims was achieved through sustained tactical bush-combing operations and intelligence-driven interventions in different parts of the country.

The report further revealed that security operatives recovered more than 33 firearms, including AK-47 rifles and pump-action guns, as well as over 450 rounds of live ammunition from criminal elements during the operations.

In addition, police operatives recovered 38 vehicles linked to criminal activities and a significant number of rustled cattle from suspects.

The Force also reported that 13 notorious criminal suspects were neutralised during armed confrontations with security personnel.

Providing a breakdown of the week’s achievements, the police stated that 173 suspects were arrested nationwide, 33 firearms were recovered, 450 rounds of ammunition were seized, 38 vehicles were recovered, and 32 kidnapped victims were rescued.

The breakdown of the 173 suspects arrested is as follows: Akwa Ibom 4, Abia 2, Benue 1, Delta 51, Edo 5, Ekiti 21, Enugu 2, FCT 22, Gombe 10, Imo 29, Kano 1, Katsina 0, Kebbi 2, Kogi 0, Kwara 2, Nasarawa 5, Niger 1, Ogun 3, Oyo 9, Plateau 1, Rivers 2, Sokoto 0, and Zamfara 0.

“The Force successfully rescued at least 32 kidnapped victims through sustained tactical bush-combing operations. In addition, over 33 firearms, including AK-47 rifles and pump-action guns, and over 450 rounds of live ammunition were recovered,” the report stated.

The report noted that the operations formed part of ongoing efforts by the Force to combat violent crimes and improve public safety across Nigeria.

Highlighting the strategic impact of the operations, the police said the Nigeria Police Force maintained its trajectory of institutional reform and operational effectiveness through strategic leadership engagements and enhanced security coordination.

“The Nigeria Police Force maintained its trajectory of institutional reform and operational excellence. Strategic leadership engagements reinforced national security priorities, enhanced threat readiness, and heightened proactive responses to emerging risks,” the report stated.

It added that collaboration with other security agencies, particularly the military and local vigilante groups, strengthened policing efforts and improved operational outcomes across several states.

According to the report, the multi-agency approach significantly amplified the reach and impact of law enforcement operations, enabling the police to remain at the forefront of efforts aimed at safeguarding lives, maintaining public safety and ensuring national stability.

“Multi-agency cooperation, particularly with the military and vigilante groups, amplified the reach and impact of policing efforts, ensuring the Force remained at the forefront of safeguarding lives, public safety and national stability,” it said.

SOURCE: SAHARA REPORTERS