The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a series of operational successes across five states, including the foiling of a suspected bandit attack on a police station in Benue State, the arrest of suspected IPOB/ESN members in Imo State and the recovery of firearms and illicit drugs in Akwa Ibom State.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, said the operations were conducted between August 8 and 10, 2026, as part of efforts to tackle banditry, cultism, terrorism and other criminal activities across the country.
In Benue State, Police Mobile Force personnel repelled armed bandits who attacked the Jootar Police Station, where PMF personnel were residing. The attackers reportedly opened fire on the station but fled after the police responded with superior firepower.
The police said preliminary investigations indicated that the attackers intended to incapacitate the station before targeting influential individuals in the area. A civilian, identified as Mlanga Gbange, sustained a stray bullet injury to his leg and was taken to St Anthony Hospital in Zaki-Biam for treatment. No police officer was injured during the attack.
In Imo State, police operatives acting on intelligence raided a suspected hideout of the proscribed IPOB/ESN militia group at Odumara Orodo in Mbaitoli Local Government Area. Eleven suspects were arrested, including 35-year-old Ugochukwu Okechukwu.
During the operation, the police recovered a bullet-proof vest allegedly fortified with charms and made from wood. Preliminary investigations reportedly showed that two of the suspects were active members of the IPOB/ESN militia group, while four others were allegedly associating with the group.
In Anambra State, the police commenced an investigation into the killing of an unidentified young man along Ezeiweka Road, Awada. The victim was allegedly shot in the head by about five suspected cult members armed with pump-action guns and travelling in a tricycle.
The victim was rushed to Borromeo Hospital but was confirmed dead on arrival. His remains were deposited at the hospital for autopsy as police intensified efforts to identify and arrest the fleeing suspects.
In Akwa Ibom State, police operatives arrested suspected cultists and drug dealers during separate operations. Seven suspects were arrested after the Anti-Cultism Unit raided suspected criminal hideouts based on intelligence.
Various illicit drugs, including suspected Indian hemp, Tramadol, Loud and Ice, were recovered during the operation. In another operation at Ikot Ubok Udom Village in Nsit Atai Local Government Area, detectives arrested three suspected cultists and recovered a single-barrel gun and a pump-action gun from their residences.
The police said a manhunt was ongoing for other suspects who escaped during the operations.
Meanwhile, in Ekiti State, police arrested a 40-year-old man, identified as Owoyemi Dele, over an alleged attempt to sexually assault a 96-year-old woman in Emure Ekiti.
According to the police, the suspect allegedly entered the elderly woman’s room at about 1am and attempted to sexually assault her. He reportedly struck her in the mouth after she raised an alarm, attracting the attention of neighbours and local vigilantes who apprehended him before the arrival of the police.
The victim was taken to General Hospital, Emure Ekiti, for medical attention, while the suspect was taken into police custody as investigations continue.
