The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a major breakthrough in its sustained offensive against violent crimes, parading fifty suspects linked to terrorism, kidnapping, and armed robbery across the country.
At a press briefing held on April 13, 2026, at the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) headquarters in Abuja, the police unveiled a significant cache of weapons and operational equipment recovered during recent operations.
The Force disclosed that the arrests stemmed from coordinated intelligence-led operations carried out since January 2026, targeting criminal syndicates responsible for high-profile attacks. Among the items recovered were seventeen rifles of various models, an anti-aircraft launcher, 111 rounds of live ammunition, 17 cartridges, multiple magazines, walkie-talkie devices, mobile phones, and a vehicle.
Police authorities described the operations as a strategic blow to criminal networks that have long threatened national security, noting that several clandestine cells have been dismantled.
One of the major breakthroughs includes the takedown of a 33-member gang linked to terrorism, cattle rustling, and a violent attack on a Christ Apostolic Church in Kwara State. The Force also confirmed the arrest of suspects connected to the killing of three police officers in Donga Local Government Area.
In the Federal Capital Territory and neighbouring states, operatives disrupted criminal rings involved in “one-chance” abductions, car theft, and the operation of fake police checkpoints, leading to further arrests and recovery of stolen property.
In a related operation, police arrested a 25-year-old suspect, Nasiru Ibrahim, in the Igumale area of Benue State with an AK-47 rifle, a magazine, and eight rounds of ammunition. Investigations revealed links to a wanted bandit, identified as Janari, who allegedly supplied the weapon. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fugitive and dismantle the wider network.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to strengthening national security, stating that the arrests underscore ongoing efforts to bring perpetrators to justice.
Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Okon Placid, noted that several suspects will soon be arraigned in court, while investigations continue to track down other accomplices and recover more illegal arms.
The police reiterated their resolve to protect lives and property, emphasizing the use of both human and technological intelligence to stay ahead of criminal elements.
