The Nigeria Police Force has arrested 22 suspects and recovered firearms, vehicles, motorcycles, illicit drugs, and other incriminating items following a series of intelligence-led operations across several states of the federation.
The arrests were carried out by operatives of the Force Special Tactical Squad (STS) in operations targeting crimes including armed robbery, kidnapping, banditry, cattle rustling, car snatching, economic sabotage, impersonation, and drug trafficking.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
According to police authorities, six firearms were recovered during the operations.
These include one LAR rifle, one pump-action gun, one AK-49 rifle, one AK-47 rifle, and one SMG rifle, as well as two live rounds of ammunition.
In addition, 45 other exhibits were seized, comprising vehicles, motorcycles, illicit drugs, and items suspected to have been used in committing criminal acts.
In one major operation along the Kaduna–Abuja Expressway, STS operatives intercepted a J5 vehicle conveying 13 brand-new motorcycles, weapons, and other incriminating items.
Further investigation led to the arrest of a 35-year-old suspect, Luke Ifeanyi, who is being investigated for armed robbery and economic sabotage.
Within the Federal Capital Territory, operatives arrested a Kuje Custodial Centre escapee, Ayo Abiodun, who is suspected to have violently robbed a serving Nigerian Army officer.
Another suspect, 40-year-old Yusuf Shehu, was arrested with a stolen tricycle.
Police investigations revealed that Shehu was impersonating a police officer, with a police mobile uniform and identity card recovered from him.
The STS also intercepted a vehicle conveying large quantities of leaves suspected to be cannabis and other controlled substances.
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In Edo State, four suspects were arrested for unlawful possession of prohibited firearms and for alleged violent attacks on a community.
In Lagos and Ogun states, two suspects linked to a car-snatching syndicate were apprehended. Meanwhile, in Nasarawa and neighbouring states, 12 suspects connected to banditry, kidnapping, and cattle rustling were arrested, with several firearms recovered during the operations.
The police said investigations into all the cases are ongoing and that the suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations, in line with extant laws.
Commending the operatives for their professionalism and bravery, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, said the successes reflect the Force’s commitment to protecting lives, dismantling criminal networks, and ensuring public safety nationwide.
He also urged members of the public to continue providing credible information to support the fight against crime.
