By
Gloria Josiah
ABUJA — The Nigeria Police Force says its formations across the country recorded significant breakthroughs in the last 24 hours, with 15 suspects arrested, 12 kidnapped victims rescued, and several weapons, ammunition, vehicles and other items recovered.
According to the Force Daily Situation Report for July 13, 2026, the operations were carried out in 11 states and the FCT in response to kidnappings, armed attacks, robbery, vandalism and other crimes.
Niger: 11 Kidnap Victims Rescued in Mariga
In Niger State, tactical teams working with local vigilantes engaged suspected bandits at Mangoro Village in Mariga LGA. The operation led to the rescue of 11 abducted persons unharmed. The victims were later debriefed and reunited with their families.
In Agaie LGA, police also arrested one suspect in connection with a fatal attack linked to a land dispute. Investigations are ongoing.
Oyo: Abducted 5-Year-Old Rescued, 3 Others Arrested
The Oyo State Command rescued 5-year-old Fikayo Gbemiga, who was kidnapped earlier this month.
Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad tracked the suspects to a hideout and arrested Adegboye Seyi Sunday, 37, and Adegboye Elijah Adefemi, 25. The child was found unhurt. Police said the suspects admitted demanding ₦10 million ransom and collecting ₦1 million before they were caught.
In a separate stop-and-search operation in Bodija, Ibadan, officers arrested Hammed Lateef, 21, with a locally made pistol, one live cartridge and sachets suspected to be tramadol.
Kano: Suspect Arrested with AK-47 Ammunition
In Kano, operatives acting on intelligence arrested Muhammad Isa, 28, at Rimaye Village, Bichi LGA.
Recovered from him were an AK-47 magazine with 30 rounds, 29 additional 7.62mm rounds, military uniforms, boots, caps, ID cards and other items. Police said two accomplices escaped and efforts are on to arrest them.
FCT: Man Arrested with Locally Made Gun
An ambush team from Gwagwalada Division arrested a suspect, Success Arison, following credible information. A locally fabricated firearm was recovered. Investigations into the source of the weapon have begun.
Ogun: 4 Suspects Arrested Over Defilement and Impersonation
Ogun Command arrested four people in separate cases. Francis Benjamin, 20, was arrested for allegedly defiling a 14-year-old girl in Sango-Ota. He confessed and the victim was taken to hospital.
In another case, a serving soldier, Kilani Usman, and two others were arrested for alleged impersonation and assault. Military uniforms used in the act were recovered.
Edo: 3 Arrested Over Telecom Vandalism
Edo Police arrested three suspects linked to vandalism of telecom facilities along Sapele Road, Benin City.
Recovered were a Toyota Yaris, a cutlass, a dagger and 12 heavy-duty batteries believed to be part of the syndicate’s tools.
Gombe: 2 Arrested with Suspected Stolen Cows
Patrol officers in Dukku LGA intercepted a vehicle carrying two suspected stolen cows. Two suspects were arrested while one escaped. One suspect allegedly injured a police corporal during the arrest before he was overpowered.
Response to Attacks in Plateau, Benue, Zamfara and Akwa Ibom
- Plateau: Security teams responded to an attack on Kum Village, Riyom LGA, where nine people were killed. More deployments were made to restore order.
- Benue: Police responded to an attack on Otukpo-Nobi Community allegedly by suspected herdsmen. Eight bodies were recovered and five injured persons hospitalized. CP Cletus Nwadiogbu led teams to the area, restored calm and reopened blocked roads.
- Zamfara: Joint forces launched a manhunt after bandits attacked Gadar Manya Village in Anka LGA, killing one person and burning a truck.
- Akwa Ibom: Detectives in Etinan LGA began investigations into an armed robbery and murder after a victim died in hospital.
Bauchi: Search for Abducted Businessman
In Bauchi, police, hunters and vigilantes launched a joint operation after Alhaji Gide Mai Yara was abducted in Kirfi LGA. Search efforts are ongoing to rescue him and arrest the abductors.
24-Hour National Tally
- 15 suspects arrested
- 12 kidnapped victims rescued
- 2 firearms recovered
- 60 rounds of ammunition recovered
- 2 vehicles recovered
- No suspect neutralized
The Force said investigations are ongoing in all cases and efforts are being intensified to track fleeing suspects and strengthen security in affected areas.
