Seven major operations expose networks behind killings, kidnapping, armed robbery, and terrorism
By Rejoice Peterside
The Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has recorded major operational successes in its intensified nationwide crackdown on violent crimes, with the arrest of 50 suspects and the recovery of a large cache of sophisticated weapons and other exhibits.
The Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, disclosed this on Monday during a press briefing held at the Force Intelligence Department Intelligence Response Team headquarters in Guzape, Abuja.
He said the achievements followed a series of intelligence-driven operations carried out by operatives of the Intelligence Response Team between January and April 2026, targeting gunrunning syndicates, kidnappers, armed robbers, and other violent criminal groups operating across several states.
According to him, the operations led to the arrest of 50 suspects across seven major cases, alongside the recovery of 17 rifles of various models, 111 rounds of live ammunition, 17 cartridges, multiple magazines, three vehicles, communication devices, and other exhibits.
He described the operations as part of sustained efforts by the police leadership to strengthen internal security, dismantle organised criminal networks, and enhance public safety across the country.
In one of the cases, operatives arrested Musa Jibrin for criminal conspiracy and unlawful possession of firearms. The arrest followed an earlier operation in December 2025, during which an FNC rifle and an empty magazine were recovered. Investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly obtained the weapon from an accomplice identified as Bala, who is currently at large. Police said efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and recover additional arms linked to the syndicate.
In another operation in Benue State, four suspects identified as Anuga Emmanuel, Peter John, Francis Abba Idoko, and Ohepo Ogwuche were arrested for armed robbery and impersonation. The suspects were said to specialise in mounting fake police checkpoints to rob unsuspecting motorists.
Recovered from them were a locally fabricated rifle, a revolver pistol, live cartridges, and a complete Police Mobile Force uniform allegedly used to deceive members of the public. The police confirmed that investigations are ongoing to arrest other members of the gang and recover additional weapons.
Similarly, operatives arrested four suspects identified as Lucky Ogoibe, Chinedu Nwazak, Dorathy Ogu, and Nonso Uzo along the Dei Dei–Kubwa Expressway in Abuja. They were linked to abduction, one-chance robbery operations, extortion, and attempted murder within the Federal Capital Territory and surrounding areas.
Items recovered from them included a vehicle, multiple mobile phones, and cash suspected to be proceeds of criminal activities. Investigators also linked some of the recovered items to victims, including one identified as Chisom Oguno. Efforts are ongoing to dismantle the wider criminal network.
In Taraba State, operatives arrested three suspects identified as Shagari Ali, Sule Abdullahi, and Idris Akawu in connection with the killing of three police officers in Donga Local Government Area. The suspects were apprehended in Akake Village following credible intelligence-led operations. Preliminary findings indicated their involvement in the attack on officers attached to the Donga Divisional Police Headquarters. An AK-47 rifle was recovered during the operation, while efforts continue to apprehend additional suspects.
One of the most major breakthroughs involved the arrest of 33 suspected members of a criminal network operating across Kwara and Kogi States. The suspects are linked to terrorism, kidnapping, cattle rustling, armed robbery, culpable homicide, and arms trafficking.
The operation followed investigations into the attack on a Christ Apostolic Church in Kwara State in November 2025. Acting on credible intelligence, operatives carried out coordinated raids across several locations including Gbugbu, Ora-Ago, Baballa, Kaiama, Awi, Charagi, Patigi, and Okeode, leading to multiple arrests.
During the raids, operatives recovered seven AK-47 rifles, seven magazines, an anti-aircraft launcher, 32 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, five walkie-talkie communication devices, and a camouflage hydration backpack. Police also stated that some weapons were abandoned by fleeing suspects during the operations. Efforts are ongoing to track down other members of the syndicate and recover additional arms.
In another development, operatives arrested Nasiru Ibrahim in Benue State for unlawful possession of an AK-47 rifle. He reportedly confessed to purchasing the weapon for ₦1.5 million from a suspected bandit identified as Janari, who is currently at large. Investigations revealed that the suspect operated within the Igumale area, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the arms supplier.
In the Federal Capital Territory, operatives also arrested Chimezie Uzo outside the Wuse Magistrate Court premises for alleged car burglary and theft. He was found with a locally fabricated master key used to break into parked vehicles. Investigations revealed that he operated with an accomplice identified as Elvis Nkala, who is currently on the run. Police said the suspect has been active in the criminal enterprise for about three years and was previously arrested in 2023.
The Force assured that all suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations, while efforts continue to apprehend fleeing accomplices across the various cases.
DCP Placid reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to intelligence-led policing, improved investigative capacity, and collaboration with sister security agencies in tackling crime nationwide.
He said the Force remains resolute in its mandate to protect lives and property and ensure sustained peace and security across the country.
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