Police Recover 52 Stolen Vehicles, Arrest 177 Suspects in One Week

The Nigeria Police Force says it recovered 52 stolen vehicles and arrested 177 high-profile criminal suspects during nationwide operations carried out between September 12 and 18, 2026.

The Force also reported the rescue of 25 kidnapped victims, recovery of 38 assorted firearms and 2,578 rounds of live ammunition, while 11 high-profile armed suspects were neutralised during the period under review.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, disclosed the figures during the police’s weekly operational briefing. She said the operations were part of the Force’s intelligence-led approach to tackling kidnapping, armed robbery, banditry, terrorism, gun running, murder and other crimes.

In Kaduna State, police said they dismantled kidnapping camps, neutralised four suspected kidnappers, arrested 12 suspects and rescued two kidnapped victims.

In Imo State, operatives reportedly dislodged a camp linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra’s armed wing, the Eastern Security Network, during an operation in Oguta Local Government Area. Police said an AK-47 rifle, two magazines containing 52 rounds of ammunition and a hand grenade were recovered.

The Katsina State Command also reported rescuing three kidnapped women after a gun battle with suspected bandits. An AK-47 rifle was recovered during the operation.

In Delta State, four suspects were arrested over an alleged online abduction operation in Asaba. Police said the suspects allegedly used TikTok to lure victims, hold them captive and gain unlawful access to one victim’s bank account.

Police also reported the interception of three suspects in Zamfara State, where 1,123 rounds of assorted live ammunition were allegedly found concealed inside a Toyota Corolla. In Anambra State, two kidnapped victims were rescued after police and local vigilantes pursued five armed suspects.

The Force said the operations demonstrated its continued efforts to disrupt criminal networks through intelligence gathering, tactical deployments and collaboration with other security agencies and local communities. Iniedu said nationwide operations would continue as the police work to address threats to public safety and national security.