Nigeria Police rescue dozens from kidnappers and arrest multiple suspects

The Nigeria Police Force has conducted a series of intelligence-led operations across several states, resulting in numerous arrests and the rescue of multiple kidnapping victims.

In Delta State, police rescued a 25-year-old woman held hostage in the Usiefrun Community and arrested Brotugbare Francis Onome. A search of the premises yielded a fabricated Beretta pistol and ammunition. In separate operations, police arrested two suspects linked to a cult-related killing in Oghara and two others involved in a kidnapping conspiracy in the Abraka area.

In Rivers State, authorities arrested two members of a six-man kidnapping syndicate, Victor Ifeanyi and Aniekan Okon Michael, following the abduction of a resident near Port Harcourt. The victim was released after a ransom of ₦10.3 million was paid.

In Akwa Ibom State, the police rescued a group of fishermen, including a Ghanaian national, who had been abducted by suspected sea pirates. The operation also led to the arrest of two individuals suspected of vandalizing a community transformer.

Nationwide, the Force reported that between September 26 and October 2, 2026, 96 suspects were arrested and 42 victims were rescued in operations involving kidnapping, armed robbery, and banditry. This included a significant rescue of 30 victims in Sokoto State after a bandit attack was foiled by police and military personnel.