The Anambra Police Command said it has rescued three kidnap victims and arrested 57 suspects in connection with kidnapping, armed robbery, cult-related violence, murder and other offences in the state.

The Commissioner of Police (CP) in the state, Nnanna Ama, disclosed this during the weekend, during an operational visit to the command Headquarters in Awka, by the Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) zone 13, Ukpo, Miller Dantawye.

“The command has rescued three kidnapped victims and arrested 57 suspects in connection with kidnapping, armed robbery, cult-related violence, murder and other serious offences,” he said.

Ama, who presented the command’s scorecard over the past one month during the visit, also said that 18 assorted firearms and 43 rounds of ammunition were recovered.

He said within the period under review that the command destroyed a criminal camp which significantly disrupted criminal operations within the state.

The CP attributed the results to coordinated intelligence gathering, targeted tactical operations, strategic deployment and sustained pressure on identified criminal networks.

He said that the feat was achieved by the command’s tactical units, Area Commands and divisional formations, working with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders.

The CP promised that the command would not relent in its offensive against criminal elements across the state.

He noted that operational priorities would continue to centre on intelligence development, precision deployment, aggressive patrols, rapid response, disruption of criminal hideouts and sustained pressure on identified criminal networks.

Ama directed operational commanders and personnel to remain proactive, maintain heightened vigilance and continuously adapt deployment strategies in response to emerging crime patterns and intelligence.

He also reaffirmed the command’s determination to deny criminals freedom of action and to ensure that the state remained hostile to kidnapping, armed robbery, cult violence and other forms of organised crime.

Responding, Dantawye commended the command and described the operational results as encouraging.

He urged officers and men of the command to build on the gains through discipline, professionalism, courage, effective supervision and strict adherence to the rule of law.

The AIG placed particular emphasis on intelligence gathering and utilisation, directing personnel to deepen intelligence networks, strengthen community engagement and translate actionable information into timely operational interventions.

He further charged commanders to intensify operations against kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, drug-related offences and other violent crimes and to conduct every operation professionally, and lawfully with respect for human rights.

Dantawye also emphasised the importance of public confidence, urging personnel to maintain respectful and responsive engagement with members of the public.

He noted that credible intelligence and community cooperation remained critical force mobilisers in modern policing.(NAN)

By David Torough, Abuja

The Nigerian Army has denied reports that a group of Islamic scholars were abducted at the residence of former Zamfara State governor and Senator Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari in Talata Mafara Local Government Area of the state.

The Army, through the Headquarters 8 Division/Sector 2 Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, described the reports circulating on various media platforms as misleading and false.

In a statement issued on Sunday, September 13, 2026, the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division, Nigerian Army/Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, said no cleric was abducted at Senator Yari’s residence.

According to the statement, intelligence reports indicated that some persons were abducted while travelling from the Sububu forest axis in Bakura Local Government Area towards Talata Mafara.

The Army said troops, working closely with other security agencies and local intelligence networks, had intensified efforts to rescue the victims.

It urged members of the public to disregard what it described as sensationalised narratives and unverified information that could create unnecessary panic or compromise ongoing tactical operations.

The military also called on residents to remain calm and vigilant while providing security agencies with timely and actionable intelligence to support efforts to secure the safe release of the abducted persons.

By David Torough, Abuja

Troops of the 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Operation WABAIZIGAN, have arrested a suspected kidnapper and recovered an AK-47 rifle and ammunition during a targeted operation along the Benin–Sapele Road in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State.

The suspect, identified as Olamide Oyeniyi, was arrested on September 12, 2026, at Obaretin Community as troops conducted operations aimed at disrupting criminal activities and securing major transportation routes in the area.

According to the Nigerian Army, the troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, a magazine and eight rounds of 7.

Other items recovered included a Tecno mobile phone, two bags, a torchlight, a music box and assorted charms.

The Army said the suspect and the recovered items remain in its custody as investigations continue to determine his links with other criminal elements and establish his possible involvement in kidnapping and related activities along the route.

The operation is part of ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Army to deny criminal groups freedom of action and improve the safety of communities and critical transportation corridors across Edo State.

The Army also said it would continue to work with other security agencies through coordinated operations to strengthen security in the state.