PICTORIAL: Police Arrest 22 Suspects, Recover Firearms, Vehicles, Drugs In Nationwide Operations

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has announced the arrest of 22 suspects linked to a range of violent and organised crimes across several states, following a string of intelligence-led operations carried out by the Force Special Tactical Squad (STS).

This was revealed in a statement posted by the Force on its Facebook handle on Thursday.

The operations, according to the statement , led to the recovery of six firearms including one LAR rifle, one pump-action gun, one AK-49 rifle, one AK-47 rifle, and one SMG rifle along with two live rounds of ammunition. Police operatives also recovered 45 other exhibits such as vehicles, motorcycles, illicit drugs, and various items believed to have been used in criminal activities.

The statement signed by Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the arrests were made for offences including armed robbery, kidnapping, banditry, cattle rustling, car snatching, economic sabotage, impersonation, and drug trafficking.

“In one of the major breakthroughs, STS operatives intercepted a J5 vehicle along the Kaduna–Abuja Expressway carrying 13 brand-new motorcycles, weapons, and other incriminating items. This led to the arrest of a 35-year-old suspect, Luke Ifeanyi, who was alleged to be involved in armed robbery and economic sabotage,” the statement read.

In the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), operatives nabbed Ayo Abiodun, identified as one of the escapees from the Kuje Custodial Centre, for allegedly robbing a serving Nigerian Army officer. Similarly, a 40-year-old suspect, Yusuf Shehu, was arrested after being found in possession of a stolen tricycle. Police investigations revealed that Shehu had been impersonating a police officer; items recovered from him included a police mobile uniform and a police identity card.

The Squad also intercepted a vehicle conveying large quantities of leaves suspected to be cannabis and other controlled substances.

Elsewhere, in Edo State, four suspects were apprehended for unlawful possession of prohibited firearms and for alleged violent attacks on a community. In Lagos and Ogun States, two suspects connected to a car-snatching syndicate were arrested.

Furthermore, coordinated operations in Nasarawa and neighbouring states led to the arrest of 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. They were alleged to be involved in banditry, kidnapping, and cattle rustling, with several firearms recovered during the raids.

The Force noted that investigations into all the cases are ongoing and that the suspects would be charged to court upon conclusion of inquiries, in line with extant laws.

Commending the officers for their dedication and professionalism, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, said the latest breakthroughs “reflect the Force’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives, disrupting criminal networks, and ensuring public safety.”

He further urged Nigerians to continue providing credible information to the police to aid ongoing efforts in combating crime nationwide.