The Nigeria Police Force has recorded major breakthroughs in its ongoing nationwide crackdown on violent crimes, arresting 50 suspects and recovering a cache of high-grade weapons and other exhibits.
Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Okon Placid, disclosed this during a press briefing at the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team headquarters in Guzape, Abuja.
“We are highlighting seven major cases which collectively led to the arrest of 50 suspects and the recovery of high-grade weapons and other exhibits” he said.
According to him, the arrests followed a series of intelligence-led operations carried out between January and April 2026, targeting gunrunning syndicates, kidnappers, armed robbers, and other criminal networks across multiple states.
“With sustained efforts and public cooperation, we are confident that our operations will continue to yield results and contribute to a safer and more secure Nigeria”
The police highlighted seven major cases that led to the recovery of 17 rifles, 111 rounds of live ammunition, 17 cartridges, several magazines, three vehicles, and communication devices.
Placid described the operations as part of a renewed security push under the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, aimed at strengthening public safety nationwide.
In one case, a suspect, Musa Jibrin, was arrested for unlawful possession of firearms, while police continue to track down his fleeing accomplice.
In Benue State, four robbery suspects who operated fake checkpoints using police uniforms were also apprehended.
Similarly, four suspects linked to “one chance” abduction and robbery were arrested along the Dei-Dei–Kubwa Expressway in Abuja, with police recovering a vehicle, mobile phones, and cash tied to victims.
In Taraba State, three suspects were arrested over the killing of three police officers in Donga LGA, with an AK-47 rifle recovered during the operation.
A major breakthrough also saw the arrest of 33 suspected members of a criminal network operating across Kwara State and Kogi State.
The group is linked to terrorism, kidnapping, armed robbery, and arms trafficking, with police recovering multiple AK-47 rifles, magazines, an anti-aircraft launcher, and communication equipment during coordinated raids.
Additional arrests were made in Benue and the Federal Capital Territory for illegal arms possession and car burglary, with investigations ongoing to apprehend fleeing suspects and dismantle wider networks.