Police neutralise four bandits, rescue seven kidnap victims, arrest 13 suspects

The Nigeria Police Force announced significant operations across various states, resulting in four suspected armed bandits being neutralised, seven kidnap victims rescued, and 13 suspects arrested. These operations took place on September 11 and 12, with details provided in the State-by-State Executive Summary of Police operational successes released on Sunday, September 13, 2026.

In Kwara State, a joint team of police operatives, military personnel, forest guards, and vigilantes engaged four suspected bandits in a gun duel on September 11, ultimately neutralising them. Ondo State witnessed a police-led gun battle on the same day, forcing suspected kidnappers into the forest with gunshot wounds. Two kidnapped victims were rescued unharmed, and ₦1.5 million ransom was recovered.

Katsina State saw Police Tactical Team engaging suspected bandits in a gun duel, leading to the abandonment of five kidnapped victims who were subsequently rescued unharmed. Across Taraba, Bauchi, Kogi, Nasarawa, Katsina, Cross River, and Gombe States, 13 suspects were arrested on various charges, including culpable homicide, rape, attempted firearm sale, car theft, murder, and armed robbery. These cases are currently under investigation by respective State Criminal Investigation Departments.