The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a major breakthrough in its sustained crackdown on violent crime, arresting 50 suspects and recovering a cache of dangerous weapons, including rifles and an anti-aircraft launcher, in coordinated operations across the country.
Addressing journalists at the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) Headquarters in Guzape, Abuja, the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, said the achievements were recorded between January and April 2026 through intelligence-led operations targeting gunrunning syndicates, kidnappers, armed robbers, and other criminal elements.
He disclosed that the operations led to the recovery of 17 rifles of various models, 111 rounds of live ammunition, 17 cartridges, multiple magazines, five walkie-talkies, three vehicles, and several mobile phones.
Placid noted that the successes underscore the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to combating criminality and ensuring public safety across the country.
Among the cases highlighted was the arrest of Musa Jibrin for criminal conspiracy and unlawful possession of firearms. Police recovered an FNC rifle and a magazine from him, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend his fleeing accomplice believed to be a supplier of illegal arms.
In Benue State, operatives arrested four members of an armed robbery syndicate known for mounting fake police checkpoints to rob unsuspecting members of the public. Items recovered from the suspects included locally fabricated firearms, live cartridges, and a Police Mobile Force uniform used as a decoy.
Similarly, four suspects were apprehended along the Dei-Dei/Kubwa Expressway in the Federal Capital Territory for their alleged involvement in “one-chance” abductions, extortion, and robbery. Police said the suspects were linked to multiple incidents within Abuja and its environs, with recovered items traced to their victims.
In Taraba State, the police arrested three suspected kingpins linked to the killing of three policemen in Donga Local Government Area. An AK-47 rifle was recovered during the operation, while investigations are ongoing to track down other members of the group.
A major breakthrough was also recorded in connection with the attack on a Christ Apostolic Church in Kwara State in November 2025. According to Placid, 33 suspects linked to the incident and other crimes—including kidnapping, cattle rustling, armed robbery, and terrorism—were arrested across Kwara and Kogi States.
Recovered exhibits from the group include seven AK-47 rifles, several magazines, 7.62mm ammunition, communication devices, and an anti-aircraft launcher abandoned during the operation.
In a related operation, a 25-year-old suspect was arrested in Benue State for illegal possession of an AK-47 rifle, which he allegedly purchased from a bandit for ₦1.5 million. Police said efforts are ongoing to apprehend the arms supplier and dismantle the wider network.
Operatives also arrested a suspected car burglary specialist in Abuja, recovering a fabricated master key used to break into parked vehicles and steal valuables. His accomplice remains at large.
Reaffirming the Force’s resolve, Placid said the Nigeria Police would continue to strengthen its investigative capabilities and collaborate with other security agencies to rid the country of criminal elements.
He assured Nigerians that sustained operations would further degrade criminal networks and contribute to a safer and more secure nation.
