The Nigeria Police Force has rescued 42 kidnapped victims and arrested 96 suspects during intelligence-led operations conducted across the country between September 26 and October 2, 2026.

The operations, carried out across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, also resulted in the recovery of 16 firearms, 31 rounds of live ammunition and 16 vehicles.

Two armed suspects were also killed during the operations, according to the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Aniete Ineidu.

Suspects Arrested For Various Offences

Ineidu said the 96 suspects were arrested in connection with various offences, including kidnapping, armed robbery, homicide, banditry, cultism, terrorism, cattle rustling and other criminal activities.

He said the operations were conducted under the strategic leadership of Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu as part of the Force’s intelligence-led and community-based policing strategy.

According to him, the results reflected ongoing efforts by the police and other security agencies to disrupt criminal networks and rescue victims in affected communities.

30 Kidnap Victims Rescued In Sokoto

One of the major operations took place in Sokoto State, where police operatives, tactical teams and Nigerian Army personnel rescued 30 kidnapped victims.

The victims were reportedly abducted after bandits blocked Katuru Village Junction and attacked vehicles carrying passengers returning from the weekly market at Tidibale Village.

Security personnel engaged the attackers in a gun battle, forcing them to retreat into a nearby forest and abandon the captives.

The 30 victims were rescued unhurt, while two people who sustained gunshot injuries were taken to a hospital for treatment.

Kidnap Victim Rescued In Rivers

In Rivers State, operatives attached to the Eliozu Division intercepted a suspected kidnapping gang following a high-speed chase towards Rumuokoro.

The operation resulted in the rescue of one kidnapped victim and the arrest of a suspect.

Police said an AK-47 rifle, three rounds of live ammunition and a tricycle were also recovered.

Gombe Operation Rescues Victims

A joint operation involving the police, military, Department of State Services, hunters and vigilantes also recorded success in Gombe State.

The operation, conducted in Ribado Ward through Bajoga in Funakaye Local Government Area, resulted in the arrest of four suspects and the rescue of two kidnapped victims.

Three motorcycles were recovered during the operation, while the police said operational pressure forced fleeing members of the suspected gang to release another victim the following day.

Police Sustain Nationwide Operations

The police said the week’s operations were aimed at disrupting criminal networks and improving security in communities affected by kidnapping, banditry, armed robbery, cultism and other violent crimes.

The Force said its intelligence-led operations would continue, with tactical teams working alongside other security agencies and local communities.

The suspects arrested during the operations remain subject to investigation and possible prosecution, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend fleeing members of suspected criminal groups.