The Nigeria Police Force says its operatives have rescued 12 kidnapped victims, arrested suspected criminals and recovered rocket launchers, firearms, ammunition and illicit drugs during coordinated operations across eight states.

The operations were conducted between October 1 and 2, 2026, according to the police.

The affected states were Sokoto, Taraba, Oyo, Akwa Ibom, Ogun, Cross River, Benue and Ebonyi.

Rocket Launchers Recovered in Sokoto

In Sokoto State, police tactical teams, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and the Violence Crime Response Unit reportedly repelled an attack by armed bandits at Tsabre Village.

The attackers fled into the forest following the confrontation.

A subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of two rocket launchers and two empty AK-47 magazines.

Other items recovered included a mobile phone, torchlight, an army jungle hat, sweater cap, five pairs of sandals and a rain jacket.

The police said no security personnel or villagers were injured or killed during the operation.

Three Kidnap Victims Rescued in Taraba

In Taraba State, police rescue teams secured the release of three of five kidnapped victims following sustained operational pressure on their abductors.

The three victims were rescued unharmed and subsequently reunited with their families.

The police did not disclose further details about the circumstances surrounding the abduction or the identities of those still being sought.

Nine Travellers Rescued in Ogun

Another major rescue operation took place in Ogun State, where police and other security agencies freed nine kidnapped travellers.

The victims were rescued unhurt and were later debriefed before being reunited with their families.

The operation formed part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to tackle kidnapping and other violent crimes in the state.

Three Suspected Robbers Arrested in Oyo

In Oyo State, police operatives arrested three suspected armed robbers in the Sabo area of Ibadan.

An iPhone 7 Plus belonging to a deceased robbery victim was reportedly recovered from the suspects.

The police said investigations were ongoing to establish the suspects’ alleged involvement in the robbery and determine whether other individuals were connected to the crime.

Drug Suspects Arrested in Akwa Ibom

Police also reported arrests in Akwa Ibom State.

Three suspects were reportedly arrested at a criminal hideout in Uyo, where substances suspected to be cannabis sativa and other illicit drugs were recovered.

In a separate stop-and-search operation, another suspect was arrested with a locally fabricated long gun, machete and gunpowder.

The suspects are expected to face further investigation over the alleged offences.

Suspected Bandit Killed in Benue

In Benue State, personnel of the Operation Zenda Joint Task Force responded to an ambush by suspected bandits along the Amaafu-Abaji Road.

The police said one suspected bandit was killed during the encounter and a locally fabricated firearm was recovered.

According to the police, no security personnel was killed in the confrontation.

Operations Continue in Cross River, Ebonyi

The police also reported arrests and firearm recoveries in Cross River and Ebonyi states as part of the coordinated operations.

The Nigeria Police Force said investigations into the various incidents were ongoing at the respective State Criminal Investigation Departments.

The operations highlight the continued deployment of tactical and specialised police units against kidnapping, banditry, armed robbery and other violent crimes across the affected states.

The identities and legal status of the arrested suspects were not fully disclosed in the report, and allegations against them remain subject to investigation and due legal process.