The Nigeria Police Force has recorded major operational breakthroughs as the Special Tactical Squad (STS) of the Force Intelligence Department dismantled multiple criminal networks across Kaduna, Nasarawa, Plateau, Taraba and the Federal Capital Territory, resulting in arrests, rescue operations, and recovery of arms, stolen vehicles, and vandalised government property.
Addressing journalists at the FID-STS Headquarters, Guzape, Abuja, Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Okon Placid, said the operations formed part of selected first quarter 2026 achievements, reflecting the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to intelligence-led policing and decisive action against criminal elements.
According to him, the operations led to the arrest of multiple high-profile suspects involved in armed robbery, kidnapping, banditry and vandalism, while operatives also intercepted illegal arms supply chains, recovered ten stolen vehicles, rescued kidnap victims, and disrupted organized criminal syndicates operating in several states.
Among the major breakthroughs was the arrest of three notorious armed robbery suspects in Kaduna State, including a dismissed military corporal allegedly impersonating a serving soldier to evade arrest. Their arrest led to the recovery of ten stolen vehicles of various brands.
In another operation, four suspected armed bandits were arrested in Kaduna, with operatives recovered four AK-47 rifles, ammunition, and a locally fabricated pistol, while separate operations led to the arrest of kidnapping suspects in Nasarawa State and a banditry suspect linked to attacks in Plateau State.
The Special Tactical Squad also arrested six suspected kidnappers linked to a notorious syndicate operating from Rijana Forest in Kaduna, leading to the rescue of victims, while operatives in Taraba State recovered an AK-47 rifle and ammunition abandoned by fleeing bandits during a mop-up operation.
In a related development, two suspects were arrested in Akwanga, Nasarawa State, over the alleged vandalisation and illegal transportation of railway materials valued at over ₦400 million, with a trailer truck and about sixty tonnes of railway tracks and sleepers recovered.
Placid said investigations were ongoing to apprehend fleeing suspects, rescue remaining victims, recover more weapons and exhibits, and bring all those involved in criminal activities to justice.
He reiterated the resolve of the Nigeria Police Force to sustain the momentum against criminality and urged members of the public to continue supporting the Police with timely and credible information to enhance security nationwide.
