The Nigeria Police Force has recorded 418 homicide incidents and 227 kidnapping cases across the country within eight weeks, highlighting the continuing security challenges facing Nigeria.
The figures were contained in the Force’s operational performance report for September and October 2026, presented during a joint security briefing organised by the Office of the National Security Adviser in Abuja.
According to the report, the police also documented 168 banditry incidents, 165 armed robbery cases, 73 cult-related clashes, 51 acts of terrorism and 49 cases of gender-based violence during the two-month period.
Despite the reported incidents, the police said their operations resulted in the arrest of 1,519 criminal suspects and the recovery of 191 firearms and 3,873 rounds of live ammunition.
The Force also disclosed that 117 stolen or illicit vehicles were recovered, while 255 kidnapped victims were rescued through intelligence-led operations and coordinated security interventions.
Additionally, 56 armed criminals were reportedly neutralised during operations conducted across different parts of the country.
Among the operations highlighted was the rescue of 30 kidnapped victims following a gun battle with armed 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, officers reportedly dismantled facilities suspected of being used for the production of improvised explosive devices in Anambra State. The Force also announced the arrest of an alleged Indigenous People of Biafra and Eastern Security Network kingpin, Amos Andibo, popularly known as No Joy, in Imo State.
The report further highlighted the rescue of eight kidnapped victims, including Reverend Father John Otache, from a criminal hideout in Benue State.
The police attributed the reported operational gains to intelligence gathering, technology-driven policing and collaboration with the Armed Forces and other security agencies.
The Force reaffirmed its commitment to tackling terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery and other criminal activities, assuring Nigerians that security operations would be sustained nationwide.
However, the figures underline the scale of insecurity that continues to affect communities, travellers and businesses across the country, with kidnapping and violent attacks remaining major concerns as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.