Police Record 418 Homicide Incidents, 227 Kidnapping Cases in Two Months
The Nigeria Police Force has recorded 418 homicide incidents and 227 kidnapping cases across the country in September and October 2026, highlighting the persistent security challenges confronting the country.
The figures were contained in the Force’s operational performance report presented at a joint security briefing organised by the Office of the National Security Adviser in Abuja.
According to the report, the police also recorded 168 banditry incidents, 165 armed robbery cases, 73 cult-related clashes, 51 acts of terrorism and 49 cases of gender-based violence during the eight-week period.
Despite the reported security incidents, the police said their operations resulted in the arrest of 1,519 criminal suspects and the neutralisation of 56 armed criminals.
The Force also disclosed that its operatives recovered 191 firearms and 3,873 rounds of live ammunition, alongside 117 stolen or illicit vehicles.
Additionally, 255 kidnapped victims were rescued during the period through security operations across the country.
Police Highlight Rescue Operations
Among the operations highlighted in the report was the rescue of 30 kidnapped victims following a gun battle with suspected bandits at Katuru Village Junction in Sokoto State.
The police also reported repelling a Boko Haram attack in Garha District of Adamawa State, during which four suspected terrorists were neutralised.
In another operation, security operatives reportedly dismantled facilities suspected of being used for the production of improvised explosive devices in Anambra State.
The Force further announced the arrest of an alleged Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN) kingpin, Amos Andibo, popularly known as No Joy, in Imo State.
In Benue State, police operatives reportedly rescued eight kidnapped victims, including Reverend Father John Otache, from a criminal hideout.
Insecurity Remains a Major Concern
The latest figures present a mixed picture of Nigeria’s security situation, with the police reporting significant arrests, weapons recoveries and rescue operations alongside hundreds of recorded violent crime incidents.
While the reported operational achievements demonstrate ongoing efforts by security agencies to combat criminal activities, the number of homicide incidents, kidnappings, banditry attacks and other violent offences raises questions about the effectiveness of existing security interventions.
The police attributed their operational gains to intelligence gathering, technology-driven policing and collaboration with the Armed Forces and other security agencies.
The Force reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining operations against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery and other criminal activities across the country.
However, beyond arrests and weapons recovered, Nigerians will be looking for measurable improvements in public safety, particularly a reduction in killings, abductions and attacks on vulnerable communities.