The Nigeria Police Force has arrested at least 16 suspects in separate operations across eight states over alleged kidnapping, armed robbery, homicide, sexual offences, cultism and drug-related activities.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Ani Iniedu, disclosed this in a state-by-state summary of police operational successes released on Sunday.
Iniedu stated that police operatives in Oyo State recorded four arrests in separate operations between September 17 and 18, 2026.
According to him, the operatives arrested a suspected member of a kidnapping syndicate at Kanbi Village on September 18, while two additional suspects were arrested for allegedly concealing kidnapping activities.
He stated that operatives also arrested a suspected serving personnel of a sister security agency in connection with an alleged armed robbery and abduction in Ibadan on September 17, adding that a blue Toyota Camry allegedly used during the operation was recovered.
The FPRO further disclosed that two suspects were arrested in connection with alleged sexual offences in Oyo State, including a suspect arrested over the alleged sexual assault of a three-year-old girl in Saki.
According to him, police recovered a blood-stained boxer short and a Panasonic tape as exhibits in the Saki case, while the victim was taken to a hospital for medical treatment.
In Delta State, Iniedu noted that six suspects were arrested in three separate operations.
“Police operatives arrested a suspect in connection with the alleged defilement of a minor in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State on September 18 and another suspect over the alleged defilement of an eight-year-old girl at Okwagbe Waterside Community in the same LGA.
“Operatives also arrestes three suspects during a raid on a criminal black spot at Umusadege, Kwale in Delta State, for suspected drug trafficking and cult-related activities,” he added.
In Kogi State, Iniedu noted that two suspects were arrested in separate operations.
The statement added that police detectives arrested a suspect following a fatal shooting at Ohunene Community, Ajaokuta LGA, on September 19, while another suspect was arrested following a reported missing-person case at Anyigba, Dekina LGA.
According to the FPRO, police recovered a gun allegedly involved in the Ajaokuta shooting.
In Kano State, Iniedu stated that police operatives arrested a female suspect on September 18 in connection with the death of her husband at Katsalle Quarters, Rogo Local Government Area.
In Bayelsa State, Iniedu disclosed that police operatives moved a murder suspect to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Yenagoa for protective custody following community unrest at Ebedebiri, Sagbama LGA, on September 20.
He said tactical teams were deployed to the affected community to restore law and order.
Iniedu said the respective State Criminal Investigation Departments were investigating all the cases, while the police continued efforts to identify other persons connected with the alleged offences.
“The reported operations formed part of the Nigeria Police Force’s ongoing efforts to respond to credible intelligence, apprehend suspects and disrupt criminal activities across the affected states,” the statement concluded.
