The Nigeria Police Force has announced a sweeping success in its campaign against violent crime, revealing the arrest of fifty suspects and the recovery of high-grade weapons in coordinated operations across the country.
Senior officials made the disclosure at a press briefing held at the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) headquarters in Abuja.
They described the breakthrough as a decisive step in dismantling criminal syndicates responsible for terrorism, kidnapping, and armed robbery.
Police Recover Cache of Weapons
The Force disclosed that its operatives recovered a significant cache of arms and equipment, including:
- Seventeen (17) rifles of various models
- One (1) anti-aircraft launcher
- One-hundred and eleven (111) rounds of live ammunition
- Seventeen (17) live cartridges
- Five (5) walkie-talkie communication devices
- Nine (9) magazines
- Three (3) mobile phones
- One (1) Golf vehicle
Officials emphasized that these seizures represent a major disruption of criminal networks that have long terrorized communities.
Dismantling Terror Cells by Police Forces
Among the most notable successes was the dismantling of a thirty-three-member gang implicated in terrorism, cattle rustling, and the violent attack on the Christ Apostolic Church in Kwara State.
The Force also apprehended the masterminds behind the recent killing of three police officers attached to Donga Divisional Headquarters in Taraba State, securing justice for the slain officers and their families.
The crackdown extended to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and surrounding states.
Specialized units involved in “one-chance” abductions, car burglaries, and fake police checkpoints were arrested in the region.
These operations not only removed dangerous individuals from the streets but also led to the recovery of stolen property and operational assets used to terrorize unsuspecting citizens.
Targeted Arrests in Benue State
Acting on credible intelligence, FID-IRT operatives arrested Nasiru Ibrahim, aged 25, in the Igumale area of Benue State. He was found in possession of:
- One (1) AK-47 rifle
- One (1) AK-47 rifle magazine
- Eight (8) rounds of live ammunition
Preliminary investigations revealed Ibrahim’s links to a notorious bandit known as Janari, who allegedly sold him the weapon.
Efforts are underway to apprehend Janari and other members of the syndicate believed to possess additional weaponry.
Police Inspector-General’s Statement
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria.
“These achievements serve as a testament to the relentless efforts of the Nigeria Police in the pursuit of justice.
“We remain steadfast in our mission to uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of every citizen, utilizing both human and technical intelligence to stay ahead of criminal elements,” he said.
The IGP confirmed that several suspects are ready for prosecution in courts of competent jurisdiction.
Meanwhile, investigations continue to track accomplices and recover more illegal weapons.
Public Reassurance
Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, stressed that the Nigeria Police Force is determined to maintain momentum in its nationwide crackdown.
He assured citizens that the Force will continue to deploy intelligence-driven strategies to dismantle criminal networks and restore peace across communities.
The arrests and recoveries announced on April 13 mark one of the most significant breakthroughs in recent years for the Nigeria Police Force.
By dismantling terror cells, apprehending killers of police officers, and neutralizing syndicates operating in the FCT and beyond, the Force has sent a strong signal of its resolve to protect Nigerians from violent crime.
As prosecutions begin and further investigations unfold, the Police leadership insists that the campaign against criminality will intensify, ensuring that justice is served and peace restored nationwide.
