POLICE ARREST SUSPECTS AND RESCUE SEVEN IN OPERATIONS ACROSS 10 STATES
The Nigeria Police Force says a series of operations across 10 states resulted in arrests linked to alleged banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, murder and cultism, while seven people were rescued from an attempted abduction in Katsina State.
The Nigeria Police Force says it has arrested multiple suspects and rescued seven people during a series of security operations across 10 states targeting alleged banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and other violent crimes.
The operations, detailed in a state-by-state summary released by the Force on Wednesday, covered incidents recorded between September 21 and 22.
Among the most significant operations was the rescue of seven people in Katsina State after police said armed men intercepted a vehicle carrying six female students of the Federal University Dutsin-Ma.
Police said officers confronted the attackers along the Kankara-Dutsin-Ma Road, forcing them to retreat into nearby bush.
All seven occupants of the vehicle were rescued unharmed, according to the Force. They were medically evaluated before being reunited with the relevant authorities.
Police also reported arresting three people suspected of belonging to an armed bandit group in a separate operation in Katsina.
In Benue State, officers working alongside other tactical forces responded to an attack at Abeda Market in Logo Local Government Area.
Police said one suspected bandit was killed during the confrontation and two others were arrested. No police casualties were reported.
Investigators in Anambra State, meanwhile, arrested four people in Okija who police allege are members of an outlawed group.
Police said the suspects provided information that could assist efforts to locate other members of the group. The allegations against them remain subject to investigation and any subsequent court proceedings.
Three other suspects were arrested in Anambra in connection with the death of a 34-year-old man in Ojoto, Idemili South Local Government Area. His body was taken to a morgue for an autopsy.
In Nasarawa State, police took custody of a suspected kidnapper following what they described as a citizens' arrest.
Separate investigations are also underway in Delta, Cross River and Oyo states.
Police in Delta recovered a locally made firearm and a live cartridge following the rearrest of a suspect, while detectives in Cross River and Oyo arrested suspects in separate homicide investigations.
In Ogun State, police arrested a suspect over an alleged sexual offence, while four people suspected of involvement in cult related activity were arrested in Ekiti State.
Police also recovered a stolen motorcycle in Kogi State following an armed robbery report and subsequent search operation.
The Nigeria Police Force said the cases remain under investigation by the relevant State Criminal Investigation Departments and other designated units.
The arrests and allegations announced by police do not constitute findings of guilt. Suspects accused of criminal offences remain entitled to due process and the presumption of innocence unless convicted by a court.
