The Nigeria Police Force has arrested 17 suspected human traffickers in Benue State, rescued an abducted 11-year-old boy in Cross River State and apprehended several kidnapping and armed robbery suspects in operations across country.
Successes were contained in Force’s top 10 state-by-state operational summary for October 10, 2026, issued by Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anthony Ani Iniedu.
In Benue State, operatives arrested 17 foreign nationals suspected of involvement in clandestine activities after acting on credible intelligence.
Suspects, who allegedly entered Nigeria without valid travel documents, are in custody as investigations continue.
In Cross River State, operatives rescued 11-year-old boy who was allegedly abducted and found tied up in suspect’s room with injuries to his head. Suspect was arrested and taken into custody for investigation.
In Rivers State, police arrested four suspected kidnappers linked to incidents along Igwuruta-Etche axis. Suspects reportedly confessed to crime and other kidnapping incidents.
In separate operation along Igbo-Etche Road, operatives intercepted tricycle conveying four occupants and recovered G3 rifle and four rounds of live ammunition.
Police said investigations into both incidents were ongoing at State Criminal Investigation Department in Port Harcourt.
In Ekiti State, five suspects were arrested over alleged unlawful invasion of woman’s residence and her severe assault. Suspects are being held as investigations continue ahead of prosecution.
Another operation in state led to arrest of suspect who allegedly attempted to evade stop-and-search checkpoint. Police recovered unregistered motorcycle, seven pairs of jeans, 20 T-shirts, four joggers and two face caps.
In Anambra State, operatives arrested suspected armed robber linked to incident in Awka. Items recovered from his hideout included victim’s purse, unregistered motorcycle, axe and other exhibits. Police said efforts were ongoing to apprehend his fleeing accomplice.
In Kogi State, patrol and surveillance operatives intercepted vehicle along Magongo Highway and arrested driver. Total of 300 kilogrammes of substances suspected to be Indian hemp were recovered from vehicle.
Meanwhile, tactical teams in Ogun State have launched search-and-rescue operations following reported kidnapping in Saapade, where two victims are yet to be rescued. Expended AK-47 ammunition shells were recovered at scene, while coordinated operations continue to locate victims and arrest perpetrators.
In Zamfara State, security personnel responded to reported bandit attack on Bardoki Village. Attackers had fled before team arrived, prompting ongoing combing and tracking operations to apprehend them.
Police said investigations into reported incidents were being handled by respective State Criminal Investigation Departments.
Force reiterated commitment to tackling kidnapping, armed robbery, human trafficking and other criminal activities across country.
