Police neutralise suspected terror kingpin in Imo, arrest gun-running suspects in Kano

Abdullateef Fowewe

The Nigeria Police Force has claimed it recorded a series of operational breakthroughs across several states, including the neutralisation of a suspected terrorist kingpin in Imo State, the arrest of four suspected gun-runners in Kano, and the recovery of firearms and ammunition in Ebonyi, Delta and other states.

Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, disclosed the developments in a state-by-state operational summary released on Saturday, saying the reported successes were recorded between August 20 and 21, 2026.

In Imo State, police operatives acting on intelligence reportedly engaged armed hoodlums said to be planning an attack on Agwa Police Station.

The force said a suspected kingpin was neutralised during the encounter, while two AK-47 rifles, four empty magazines and a Highlander SUV were recovered.

“Joint tactical operations are ongoing to track down the fleeing members of the gang,” the statement said, adding that the State Criminal Investigation Department in Owerri had commenced an investigation.

The police also reported the recovery of a decomposing body and severed head at Shanya Babba Village in Maigatari Local Government Area of Jigawa State.

According to the statement, operatives searched the surrounding area after receiving a report and recovered the severed head, which was evacuated with the body to the hospital.

Efforts are ongoing to identify the victim and apprehend those responsible.

In Gombe State, one suspect was arrested after a reported stabbing at Dinchi Village in Dukku Local Government Area, while police said they were pursuing an accomplice who fled the scene.

In Bayelsa, an armed robbery suspect was said to have been neutralised following a distress call over a robbery at Bozi Water Two in Yenagoa.

The police said the suspect sustained gunshot injuries during the gang’s escape and was later confirmed dead at a police clinic.

The Force also announced the re-arrest in Lafia, Nasarawa State, of a kidnapping suspect who allegedly escaped from custody in Kano State.

“The suspect resisted arrest but was successfully overpowered and re-arrested,” the police said.

In Kano, four suspects, including two alleged gun-runners, were arrested in connection with unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.

The police said two pistols loaded with 17 rounds of live ammunition were recovered, adding that operations were continuing to trace other suspects and recover more exhibits.

Five suspects were arrested in Amudo Community, Ezza South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State after community members intercepted them and handed them over to police operatives, according to the statement.

A locally made firearm was recovered, while one of the suspects allegedly confessed to owning the weapon and belonging to a robbery gang operating in the area.

Police also arrested two other suspects in Ndiechi Onuebonyi, Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi, following reports that they were brandishing firearms and threatening residents.

A locally made firearm was allegedly recovered from their premises.

In Delta State, police said a female suspect was arrested in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area, over alleged gun-running activity.

Ten live cartridges concealed in a bucket were recovered from her hideout, while police said information obtained from the suspect could aid the arrest of an alleged ammunition supplier.

In a separate operation in Agbor, a 45-year-old man was arrested after a sting operation, with a serviceable locally fabricated single-barrel gun allegedly found concealed in a shrine.

The police further said two suspected armed robbers were arrested after a robbery along Ido Road in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The suspects were linked to the alleged theft of an iPhone 17 and gold earrings, while further investigations continue.

The statement also noted that police in Imo State provided security for the movement of a “high-profile VIP,” whose convoy was escorted safely to the Imo-Abia boundary.

“All the cases are under investigation by the relevant State Criminal Investigation Departments,” CSP Iniedu said.