The Nigeria Police Force has recorded major operational successes across several states, including the arrest of high-profile suspects, recovery of weapons, and rescue of kidnapped victims, the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Okon Placid, has said.
Placid disclosed this on Tuesday during a press briefing at the Force Intelligence Department–Special Tactical Squad (FID-STS) headquarters in Guzape, Abuja, where he outlined key achievements recorded in the first quarter of 2026.
He said the operations, spanning Kaduna State, Nasarawa State, Plateau State, Taraba State and the Federal Capital Territory, led to the disruption of organised criminal networks.
“These operations highlight the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing and our commitment to decisive action against criminal elements,” Placid said.
Among the major breakthroughs was the arrest of three suspected armed robbers in Kaduna State, including a dismissed soldier accused of impersonation to evade arrest. Police said 10 stolen vehicles of different brands were recovered from the suspects.
In a separate operation, four suspected bandits were arrested in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna, with security operatives recovering four AK-47 rifles, ammunition and a locally fabricated pistol.
The police also arrested two suspects linked to a kidnapping case in Toto, Nasarawa State, where a ransom of ₦6 million had been demanded. According to Placid, investigations are ongoing to locate the victim.
Another suspect was apprehended in Abuja over alleged involvement in banditry attacks in Plateau State. The suspect was said to have provided logistics and support to criminal groups.
In a related development, six suspected kidnappers were arrested in Kaduna, including a suspected kingpin linked to a notorious gang operating in Rijana Forest. The police said the suspects were connected to multiple abductions, including that of a senior police officer and his son, with ransoms running into millions of naira.
Placid added that some victims had been rescued, while efforts were ongoing to secure the release of others still in captivity.
In Taraba State, operatives recovered an AK-47 rifle and ammunition abandoned by fleeing suspects during a mop-up operation, while investigations continue to track down members of the gang.
Similarly, two suspects were arrested in Nasarawa State for allegedly transporting vandalised railway materials valued at over ₦400 million. The items, concealed under sacks of groundnut shells, were intercepted in a trailer en route to Ilorin.
“The cases presented today underscore the dedication and professionalism of our operatives in dismantling criminal networks,” Placid said.
He added that efforts were being intensified to arrest fleeing suspects, recover more weapons and ensure all those involved in criminal activities are brought to justice.
The police spokesman also urged members of the public to support security agencies with timely and credible information to enhance safety across the country.