The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has announced the arrest of 173 suspects linked to banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism and murder across the country within one week.
According to the police operational situation report covering June 8 to June 14, 2026, operatives also rescued 32 kidnapped victims, recovered 33 firearms and more than 450 rounds of live ammunition during various operations nationwide.
At least 13 suspected criminals were neutralised in armed confrontations.
The report stated that the successes were achieved through intelligence-driven operations, coordinated tactical deployments and collaboration with other security agencies and local vigilante groups.
It noted that Delta State recorded the highest number of arrests with 51 suspects, followed by Imo State with 29, while the Federal Capital Territory accounted for 22 arrests.
In terms of arms recovery, Rivers State led with six firearms, while Ekiti and Imo states recovered five each. Nasarawa State recorded the seizure of three firearms.
The police also disclosed that Oyo State recorded the highest ammunition recovery with 250 rounds, followed by Kwara State with 65 rounds and Imo State with 44 rounds.
On the rescue of abducted persons, Imo State recorded the highest number with 11 victims freed, followed by the FCT with five and Nasarawa State with three.
The report further revealed that 38 vehicles linked to criminal activities were recovered across the country, while Benue State recorded the highest number of suspects killed during operations with three. Ekiti and Oyo states each recorded two suspected criminals neutralised.
The Force said the achievements underscore its commitment under the leadership of Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to tackling terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes through proactive and technology-driven policing strategies.
It added that sustained cooperation with the military and community-based security groups has continued to enhance operational effectiveness and strengthen responses to security threats across the country.
