The Nigeria Police Force has arrested at least 22 suspects and recovered firearms and illicit drugs in series of operational across five states, including the foiling of a bandit attack on a police station in Benue State.
The operations, conducted between August 8 and 10, 2026, also led to the arrest of suspected members and associates of the proscribed IPOB/ESN group in Imo State, suspected cultists and drug dealers in Akwa Ibom, as well as a man accused of attempting to sexually assault a 96-year-old woman in Ekiti State.
This was disclosed in a statement on Monday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu.
In Benue State, police personnel attached to the Police Mobile Force repelled an attack by armed bandits on 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.
Police said preliminary investigations indicated that the attackers planned to incapacitate the station before targeting influential persons in the area.
A civilian, identified as Mlanga Gbange, sustained a stray bullet injury to his leg and was taken to St Anthony Hospital, Zaki-Biam, for treatment. No police personnel was injured.
In Imo State, police operatives acting on intelligence raided a suspected hideout of the proscribed IPOB/ESN militia group at Odumara Orodo, Mbaitoli Local Government Area.
Eleven suspects were arrested, including 35-year-old Ugochukwu Okechukwu, while operatives recovered a bullet-proof vest allegedly fortified with charms and made of wood.
The police said preliminary investigations revealed that two of the suspects were active members of the IPOB/ESN militia group, while four others were allegedly associating with the group.
Meanwhile, in Anambra State, 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.
He was confirmed dead on arrival at Borromeo Hospital, where his remains were deposited for autopsy.
Police said efforts were ongoing to identify and arrest the fleeing suspects.
In Akwa Ibom State, seven suspects were arrested during a raid on suspected criminal hideouts following intelligence received by the Anti-Cultism Unit.
Various illicit drugs, including suspected Indian hemp, Tramadol, Loud and Ice, were recovered during the operation.
In a separate operation at Ikot Ubok Udom Village, Nsit Atai Local Government Area, detectives arrested three suspected cultists and recovered a single-barrel gun and a pump-action gun during searches of their residences.
Police said a manhunt was ongoing for other fleeing suspects.
In Ekiti State, police arrested a 40-year-old man, 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 victim’s room at about 1am and attempted to sexually assault her before striking her in the mouth when she raised an alarm.
Neighbours and local vigilantes reportedly apprehended the suspect 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.
The Force said investigations into the various incidents were ongoing, with the relevant State Criminal Investigation Departments handling the cases.
