The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a major breakthrough in its nationwide fight against violent crime, parading 50 suspects linked to terrorism, kidnapping, armed robbery, and other criminal offences, while recovering a cache of sophisticated weapons and operational equipment.
The development was announced during a press briefing held on April 13, 2026, at the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) headquarters in Abuja, where police authorities detailed the outcome of a series of coordinated operations carried out across multiple states.
According to the Force, the operations form part of a sustained offensive targeting criminal syndicates that have posed significant threats to national security. From January 2026 to date, operatives of the FID-IRT have dismantled several clandestine networks, leading to the arrest of dozens of suspects and the recovery of dangerous weapons.
Items recovered during the operations include 17 rifles of various models, one anti-aircraft launcher, 111 rounds of live ammunition, 17 live cartridges, nine magazines, five walkie-talkie communication devices, three mobile phones, and a vehicle. Police authorities noted that these items were used by the suspects to coordinate and execute criminal activities.
Among the most significant breakthroughs is the dismantling of a 33-member gang involved in terrorism, cattle rustling, and a violent attack on a church in Kwara State. The police also confirmed the arrest of key suspects linked to the killing of three officers attached to the Donga Divisional Headquarters in Taraba State, describing it as a major step toward justice for fallen personnel.
In the Federal Capital Territory and surrounding areas, the Force said it had intensified efforts against urban crime, leading to the arrest of suspects involved in “one-chance” abductions, car burglaries, and the operation of illegal police checkpoints. These operations, according to officials, have helped remove dangerous elements from the streets and disrupted organised criminal activities targeting unsuspecting residents.
In a related operation, police operatives acting on intelligence arrested a 25-year-old suspect, Nasiru Ibrahim, in possession of an AK-47 rifle, a magazine, and eight rounds of live ammunition. Investigations revealed that the suspect operates in the Igumale area of Benue State and is linked to a notorious bandit identified as Janari, who allegedly supplied the weapon.
Police authorities said efforts are ongoing to track down Janari and other members of the syndicate believed to be in possession of additional arms.
Reaffirming the Force’s commitment to national security, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, stated that the arrests and recoveries reflect the determination of the police to combat criminality through intelligence-led operations. He added that several of the suspects will soon be charged to court, while investigations continue to apprehend other accomplices.
The Force emphasized that it remains committed to upholding the rule of law and protecting citizens, noting that both human intelligence and technological tools are being deployed to stay ahead of criminal networks.
The latest operation underscores ongoing efforts by security agencies to confront rising insecurity across Nigeria, with authorities expressing confidence that sustained enforcement and intelligence coordination will continue to yield results in the fight against crime.
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