The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has intensified its nationwide offensive against criminal elements, foiling a bandits’ attack on a police station, disrupting an alleged armed robbery operation and arresting 31 suspects in six states.

The operations, conducted between August 8 and 10, also resulted in the recovery of firearms, ammunition, suspected illicit drugs and other exhibits, according to the State-by-State Executive Summary of the Force’s operational successes released on Monday.

The latest crackdown is coming against the backdrop of growing political and public pressure on security agencies to sustain the fight against banditry, terrorism, cultism and other violent crimes threatening communities across the country.

In Benue State, police operatives repelled an attack by armed bandits on Jootar Police Station in Ukum Local Government Area.

The attackers reportedly engaged the police in a gun battle but were overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the operatives and fled.

No casualty was recorded among the police personnel.

The incident is being investigated by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Makurdi.

In another operation in Benue, police responded to a distress call after suspected armed robbers blocked the highway at Ayati Village in Gwer East Local Government Area.

The suspects exchanged gunfire with the police before escaping into a nearby bush.

One locally fabricated revolver gun, four rounds of live cartridges and a mobile phone were recovered.

Police also dismantled the roadblock, restoring unhindered movement on the highway.

In Ekiti State, operatives arrested a 40-year-old man over an alleged attempted rape and assault of a 96-year-old woman in Emure-Ekiti.

The suspect was reportedly arrested and confessed to the offence during interrogation.

The victim was immediately taken to hospital for medical attention.

The SCID, Ado-Ekiti, is investigating the case.

Akwa Ibom also recorded major breakthroughs, with police operatives arresting eight suspects during raids on suspected criminal hideouts based on credible intelligence.

The police said various suspected illicit drugs were recovered.

In a separate operation, detectives arrested three suspected cultists allegedly gathered at Ikot Ubok Udom Village in Nsit Atai Local Government Area.

One single-barrel gun and one pump-action gun were recovered from the suspects.

The SCID, Uyo, is investigating the cases.

According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu; “In Imo State, 11 suspected militia members were arrested following a raid on a suspected militia hideout at Odumara Orodo in Mbaitoli Local Government Area.

“The operation, conducted on August 8, followed credible intelligence received by the police.

A charm-fortified bullet-proof vest made of wood was recovered.

“The suspects are being investigated by the SCID, Owerri.

Ogun State was not left out of the nationwide crackdown, as three suspects were arrested over the alleged theft of company cable wires at a quarry in Odeda.

“The suspects were identified through CCTV footage and taken into custody for interrogation.

Police said efforts were ongoing to recover the stolen cables and establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged theft.

“The case is being handled by the SCID, Eleweran.

The latest operations underscore the police authorities’ growing reliance on intelligence gathering, rapid response and targeted raids to dismantle criminal networks before they can carry out attacks.

“The Force said the successes demonstrated the commitment of its personnel to protecting lives and property and denying criminal elements the freedom to operate across the country.

“It also renewed its appeal to Nigerians to provide credible and timely information to security agencies, stressing that effective policing requires active cooperation between the police and citizens”.

The police authorities maintained that the fight against insecurity requires sustained collaboration among security agencies, government at all levels and citizens. (The Nation)