The Nigeria Police Force has recorded significant operational successes following a series of intelligence-led operations across several states, leading to the arrest of 22 suspects linked to various criminal activities.
The operations were carried out by the Force Special Tactical Squad (STS) and targeted offences including armed robbery, kidnapping, banditry, cattle rustling, car snatching, economic sabotage, impersonation and drug trafficking.
According to police sources, six firearms were recovered during the operations. These include one LAR rifle, one pump-action gun, one AK-49 rifle, one AK-47 rifle and one submachine gun, along with two rounds of live ammunition. In addition, 45 other exhibits were recovered, including vehicles, motorcycles, illicit drugs and other items suspected to have been used in committing crimes.
In a major operation along the Kaduna–Abuja Expressway, STS operatives intercepted a J5 vehicle conveying 13 brand-new motorcycles alongside weapons and other incriminating items.
Further investigations led to the arrest of a 35-year-old suspect, Luke Ifeanyi, in connection with armed robbery and economic sabotage.
Related operations within the Federal Capital Territory resulted in the arrest of a Kuje Custodial Centre escapee, Ayo Abiodun, who is suspected to have violently robbed a serving Nigerian Army officer.
In another case, a 40-year-old suspect, Yusuf Shehu, was arrested with a stolen tricycle. Investigations revealed that Shehu was impersonating a police officer, as a police mobile uniform and police identity card were recovered from him.
The STS also intercepted a vehicle conveying large quantities of leaves suspected to be cannabis and other controlled substances.
In Edo State, four suspects were arrested for unlawful possession of prohibited firearms and alleged involvement in violent attacks on a community. In Lagos and Ogun States, two suspects linked to a car-snatching syndicate were apprehended.
Meanwhile, in Nasarawa State and neighbouring states, 12 suspects identified as Mohammed Isa, John Baba, Musa Iliyasu, Rabiu Hussaini, Mohammed Abdullahi, Adamu Hassan, Usman Mohammed, Umar Musa, Muhammadu Ahmad, Inusa Adamu, Shuaibu Mohammed and Sulaiman Dabo were arrested in connection with banditry, kidnapping and cattle rustling. Several firearms were also recovered during these operations.
Investigations into all the cases are ongoing, and the suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations, in line with extant laws.
Commending the operatives of the Special Tactical Squad for their professionalism and bravery, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to disrupting criminal networks and ensuring the safety of lives and property across the country.
He also urged members of the public to continue supporting the police with timely and credible information to aid crime-fighting efforts nationwide.