The police has announced the arrest of 173 suspects linked to terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism and murder across the country within one week of coordinated operations.
Key Highlights:
- Police arrested 173 suspects linked to various crimes nationwide in one week.
- At least 32 kidnapped victims were rescued during the operations.
- Officers recovered 33 firearms and over 450 rounds of ammunition.
- Thirteen suspected criminals were neutralised in separate engagements.
- Police said the results came from intelligence-led and coordinated security operations.
According to a police operational situation report covering June 8 to June 14, 2026, obtained on Sunday, the police also rescued at least 32 kidnapped victims, recovered 33 firearms and over 450 rounds of live ammunition, and neutralised 13 suspected criminals during various engagements nationwide.
The report said the results were achieved through intelligence-led policing, coordinated tactical deployments, and collaboration with other security agencies as well as local vigilante groups.
It stated that the operations targeted criminal networks involved in violent crimes across multiple states, leading to what it described as significant operational gains in arrests, recoveries and rescues.
“The operational outcomes recorded between 8th – 14th June, 2026, underscore the unwavering resolve of the police to confront crime in all its manifestations,” the report stated.
Delta State recorded the highest number of arrests with 51 suspects, followed by Imo State with 29 arrests and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) with 22 suspects apprehended.
In terms of firearms recovery, Rivers State led with six weapons recovered, while Ekiti and Imo States recorded five firearms each.
Nasarawa State accounted for three recoveries, alongside other smaller seizures across several states.
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Oyo State recorded the highest ammunition recovery with 250 rounds, followed by Kwara State with 65 rounds and Imo State with 44 rounds of live ammunition.
On rescue operations, Imo State recorded 11 kidnapped victims freed, the highest in the country, followed by the FCT with five and Nasarawa State with three.
The police also reported the recovery of 38 vehicles allegedly connected to criminal activities, with Delta State accounting for three of the recoveries, while others were recorded in Akwa Ibom, Benue, FCT, Oyo and Rivers States.
Benue State recorded three suspected criminals neutralised during encounters with operatives, while Ekiti and Oyo States recorded two each.
Other incidents of armed confrontation led to isolated neutralisations in several states.
The police described the operations as evidence of sustained proactive and technology-driven policing efforts across the country.
It added that over 33 firearms, including AK-47 rifles and pump-action guns, as well as more than 450 rounds of ammunition, were recovered during the period under review.
The police further said continued cooperation with the military and community-based security outfits had improved operational effectiveness and strengthened responses to emerging security threats nationwide.
It reaffirmed that the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu-led management team would continue to deploy intelligence-led strategies aimed at dismantling criminal networks and enhancing public safety across the country.
