The Nigeria Police Force has recorded significant breakthroughs in separate operations across Delta and Niger states, arresting 76 suspects and recovering 10 AK-47 rifles, three pump-action guns, stolen motorcycles and other exhibits linked to organised crime. The arrests followed intelligence-driven raids targeting kidnapping, armed robbery, illegal firearms possession and related criminal activities as security agencies intensified efforts to improve public safety.

In Delta State, police arrested five suspects during multiple operations carried out by officers attached to the Asaba and Ekpan divisions. According to the command’s spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, one suspect, Joseph Tyavzua, was intercepted during a stop-and-search operation along the Asaba-Onitsha Expressway, where officers recovered a pump-action gun allegedly found in his possession. Later investigations into the robbery of a commercial motorcyclist in Effurun led to the arrest of four additional suspects and the recovery of two more pump-action guns as well as three motorcycles believed to have been stolen during previous robbery operations.

In Niger State, the police command announced the arrest of 71 suspects during operations conducted throughout July 2026. Commissioner of Police Adamu Abdullahi Elleman said the crackdown led to the dismantling of a kidnapping syndicate operating in parts of Niger State and the Federal Capital Territory, with officers rescuing three kidnapped victims and recovering 10 AK-47 rifles, magazines and ammunition. Police also arrested a suspect allegedly transporting five AK-47 magazines and 185 rounds of live ammunition, while another was accused of producing fake National Identification Number (NIN) cards and Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

The police described the operations as evidence of the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing and collaboration with members of the public. Authorities said investigations remain ongoing, with efforts continuing to arrest fleeing suspects and dismantle criminal networks responsible for kidnapping, armed robbery and the proliferation of illegal firearms. Residents were urged to continue providing timely and credible information to support security agencies in preventing crime.