The Nigeria Police Force has reported a series of operational successes across five states, ranging from a foiled bandit attack in Benue to the arrest of suspected IPOB/ESN members in Imo.

Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, said the operations were conducted between August 8 and 10, 2026.

In Benue State, personnel of the Police Mobile Force (PMF), a specialised riot and combat unit of the police, 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 police responded with superior firepower.

Police said investigations indicated the attackers intended to incapacitate the station before targeting influential persons in the area.

A civilian, 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 Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) militia group at Odumara Orodo in Mbaitoli Local Government Area.

Eleven suspects were arrested, including 35-year-old Ugochukwu Okechukwu, and police recovered a bullet-proof vest allegedly fortified with charms and made of wood.

Cultists, Drug Suspects Arrested In Akwa Ibom, Suspect Held Over Attempted Assault In Ekiti

In Anambra State, police began investigating the killing of an unidentified young man along Ezeiweka Road, Awada, who 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 confirmed dead on arrival at Borromeo Hospital, where his remains were deposited for autopsy, and police said efforts were ongoing to identify and arrest the fleeing suspects.

In Akwa Ibom State, police arrested suspected cultists and drug dealers in separate operations.

Seven suspects were arrested during a raid on suspected criminal hideouts following intelligence received by the Anti-Cultism Unit, with various illicit drugs, including suspected Indian hemp, Tramadol, Loud and Ice, recovered.

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, with a manhunt ongoing for other fleeing suspects.

Meanwhile, 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.

Police said 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 police arrived, and the victim was taken to General Hospital, Emure Ekiti, for medical attention.

The Force said investigations into the various incidents were ongoing, with the relevant State Criminal Investigation Departments handling the cases.