The Nigeria Police Force has said it has achieved noteworthy operational successes across states, apprehending 11 suspects, eliminating two suspected bandits, and liberating six kidnapped individuals during security operations executed on Sunday, October 18, 2026. Police news updates
These operations, outlined in the Force's comprehensive top 10 state-by-state operational summary, encompassed Zamfara, Imo, Ekiti, Ogun, Oyo, Akwa Ibom, Adamawa, Kebbi, and Nasarawa states, with law enforcement personnel pursuing criminal offenders, liberating victims, and reestablishing public order.
In Zamfara State, police operatives successfully repelled an assault by armed bandits, whereas coordinated operations in additional states resulted in arrests associated with suspected vehicle theft, homicide, violent crime, and armed robbery.
The Police reported that two bandits were eliminated in Zamfara State and five kidnapped individuals rescued at Fegi Kanawa, supported by personnel from Fegi Mahe and additional forces from the Police Headquarters.
A statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer indicated that the police engaged a substantial contingent of armed bandits in armed combat and effectively repelled the assault.
The statement further noted that the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Gusau, is conducting an investigation into the incident.
The Zamfara State Police Command additionally rescued an abducted farmer collaborating with community vigilante groups.
The security forces reportedly traced the retreat pathway of armed bandits who had abducted 11 farmers at Kamfanin Madam Village in Maru Local Government Area.
It said that one victim, identified as Nafi’u Abubakar Sarki, was rescued unharmed, while operations continued to secure the release of the remaining 10 abducted farmers.
In Imo State, the police said that two suspected car-snatching syndicate members were arrested.
The statement added that operatives of the Quick Intervention Unit, acting on intelligence, arrested two suspected members of a car-snatching syndicate allegedly operating in Owerri and neighbouring South-East states.
The police said that information obtained from the suspects reportedly identified the gang leader, additional stolen vehicles and two AK-47 rifles.
It said that operations are ongoing to recover the weapons and vehicles and apprehend other fleeing suspects.Police news updates
In Ekiti State, the Police said that its operatives arrested four suspects in connection with the death of a 40-year-old man following a violent altercation at Fayose Market in Ado-Ekiti, adding that the SCID, Ado-Ekiti, is investigating the case.
In Ogun State, the Police said that it intervened in a violent confrontation between two local security groups at Owode-Afon, restoring normalcy in the area, adding that four suspects were arrested in connection with the incident, while efforts continued to rescue two abducted security operatives.
In Oyo State, the police said that its operatives responded to an armed robbery incident in Imeko Community and arrested one suspect. It added that the suspect is undergoing interrogation and identification procedures as the police intensify efforts to apprehend other fleeing gang members and recover stolen property.
In Akwa Ibom State the Force headquarters said that it deployed its personnel to critical infrastructure, identified security flashpoints and waterways ahead of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio's visit to the state.
In Adamawa State, the police said it recovered three weapons at a crime scene while responding to a violent altercation in Golantabal Village, Song Local Government Area.
In Kebbi State, the Police said that its operatives alongside military personnel and vigilante groups were deployed following an attack by suspected terrorists in Yanga Village, Bunza Local Government Area.
It said the security forces commenced coordinated patrols and bush-combing operations to rescue the abducted persons and apprehend the fleeing attackers.
In Nasarawa State, the Police said that its tactical teams and local vigilantes were mobilised following attacks by armed bandits on farmers in Dogo Fadama and Barummi villages.
It said the search-and-rescue operations were launched to secure the release of five abducted persons and track down the perpetrators.
The Nigeria Police Force said the operations reflect ongoing efforts to combat violent crime, dismantle criminal networks, rescue victims and maintain public safety.
Police arrest 11 suspects in nationwide operations, rescue six abducted persons