Police Arrest 17 Suspects, Recover Ammunition, Across States

The Nigeria Police Force has reported a series of operational successes across several states, including the arrest of suspects linked to ammunition trafficking, armed robbery, banditry, kidnapping, homicide, vandalism and attempted car theft.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, disclosed the operations in a state-by-state executive summary of police operational successes for September 14, 2026.

In Zamfara State, police operatives on September 12 intercepted a vehicle conveying three suspects at a checkpoint in Maru Local Government Area.

A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 1,123 rounds of 7.62mm AK-47 live ammunition concealed inside it.

The suspects were arrested and the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Gusau, is investigating the case.

In Imo State, three suspected armed robbers were arrested at a hideout where police operatives recovered 13 stolen motorcycles, an unregistered Toyota Sienna bus, motorcycle spare parts and other exhibits.

The Police said preliminary investigation showed that some of the recovered motorcycles had been stolen at gunpoint.

The SCID, Owerri, is investigating the case.

In Katsina State, police tactical teams engaged suspected armed bandits in a gun duel on September 12, forcing them to flee into the bush with gunshot injuries.

One suspect was arrested during the operation, while 15 rustled cows and 35 sheep were recovered.

In a separate operation in the state, three suspected bandits were arrested in connection with the abduction of an elderly victim.

According to the Police, preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects allegedly conspired to abduct the victim and collected ₦3 million ransom before releasing him after 16 days in captivity.

The two Katsina cases are being investigated by the SCID, Katsina.

In Oyo State, a kidnapped victim was rescued unharmed after a combined team of police operatives and other security personnel combed surrounding bushes in pursuit of the abductors.

The operation reportedly forced the kidnappers to abandon the victim and flee the area.

The SCID, Ibadan, is investigating the case.

Police operatives arrested a suspected armed robber following an attack on a residence and recovered a stolen motorcycle, two locally made explosive devices and other exhibits abandoned by fleeing suspects.

In another operation in the state, a suspected armed robber was arrested and a stolen motorcycle recovered following a robbery attack on a residence.

Police operatives, working with local vigilantes, also arrested a suspect allegedly involved in the vandalisation of armoured cables. A saw and pliers believed to have been used in the vandalisation were recovered.

The SCID, Gombe, is investigating the cases.

In Delta State, police operatives arrested a suspect found in possession of a pump-action gun and 18 live cartridges.

The case is being investigated by the SCID, Asaba.

In the Federal Capital Territory, police operatives arrested a suspect accused of stabbing a male victim to death.

According to the Police, operatives traced and arrested the suspect after he allegedly fled the scene of the incident.

The CID, Abuja, is investigating the case.

In another FCT operation, police operatives responded to a distress call and arrested a suspect at the National Stadium while he was allegedly attempting to steal a Toyota Sienna vehicle.

The case is being investigated by the SCID, Abuja.

In Sokoto State, police detectives arrested a suspect in connection with an alleged unnatural offence involving a five-year-old child.

The Police said the victim was treated at a General Hospital and subsequently discharged.

The case is being investigated by the SCID, Kano.

The Force said the reported operations form part of its ongoing efforts to tackle violent crime, protect communities, recover stolen property and disrupt the activities of criminal elements across the country.

The Police urged members of the public to continue providing useful information to security agencies, while reiterating its message that “Police Is Your Friend” and “Citizens Are The Boss.”