In a sweeping operation aimed at bolstering national security and curbing organized crime, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has announced significant breakthroughs in its ongoing war against criminal activities across the country.
Highlighting some of these notable achievement, detailing coordinated operations carried out by the detectives of the IRT that led to the rescue of victims, the arrest of suspects, and the recovery of several dangerous firearms, Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi today, August 3rd 2025, at the FID-IRT Base, Guzape, FCT, revealed that a total of 5,936 suspects were arrested nationwide for various offences over the past few weeks.
He said the arrests were part of intensified intelligence-led operations targeting gunrunning, armed robbery, kidnapping, and other violent crimes threatening public safety.
The breakdown of the arrests revealed that 715 suspects were apprehended for armed robbery, 306 for kidnapping, 533 for murder and homicide, 149 for unlawful possession of firearms, 371 for sexual-related offences, 590 suspected cultists, and 3,272 for other various crimes, including cybercrime, fraud, and vandalism.
The Force noted that the operations have also significantly reduced the proliferation of prohibited firearms and ammunition, which have been linked to rising cases of violent crimes in parts of the country.
On July 27, 2025, at about 11 AM, acting on intelligence, operatives of IRT have arrested one Gerard G. Ibrahim, male. Upon this arrest, the suspect was questioned, and subsequently confessed to having in its possession two AK-47 rifles.
The apprentice picked up on this intelligence, and recovered the firearms, along with two magazines, and 19 rounds of live ammunition of different training guns. Second case, arrest of a suspected human trafficker.
One of such was the arrest of one Jane Anodua. Sequel to a case reported by the Ministry of Women Affairs, Plateau State, about incessant abduction and sales of children in the state. Operatives of the FID-IRT took immediate action, arresting the suspect in Rivers State.
Upon her arrest, the suspect gave relevant information, leading to the successful rescue of two female children, both 10 years old. She further gave a useful confession about the whereabouts of two more children she assisted in trafficking from Plateau State to Imo State. The victims have been rescued and reunited with their parents.
Another significant arrest was that of one Tanfa Binbol ‘m’, which occurred on July 13th 2025, at about 11 AM, when operatives of the FID-IRT, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted the suspect. Upon his arrest, the suspect was subsequently questioned and confessed to being a gunrunner operating between Taraba and Plateau States. Further search of the suspect’s premises led to the recovery of 3 AK-47 rifles, 5 pistols, and 1 pump-action rifle.
In another related development, on July 27th 2025, at about 11 AM, acting on credible intelligence, operatives of IRT apprehended one Jerauji Ibrahim ‘m’ of Kedeme Demsa LGA, Adamawa state. Upon his arrest, the suspect was questioned and subsequently confessed to having in his possession two AK-47 rifles. The operatives picked up on this Intel and recovered the arms, along with two magazines and 19 rounds of live ammunition of different calibres.
Furthermore, following up on several other active cases of gunrunning, banditry and illegal possession of firearms, operatives of the Intelligence Response Team were also able to recover 4 AK 47 Rifles, 1 G-3 Rifle, 1 SMG Rifle, 1 Locally Fabricated Pistol, 1 Revolver Ak-47 Rifle, And 1 Revolver Cartridge Rifle from various hideouts of suspected criminals.
Speaking on the arrests, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, through its Force PRO commended the efforts of officers and men of the Force, stressing that the massive crackdown was a clear demonstration of the NPF’s commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of Nigerians.
“Our operations are strategically intelligence-driven, aimed at dismantling criminal networks and reducing access to illegal firearms. The safety of Nigerians remains our top priority, and we will continue to intensify efforts to bring perpetrators of crime to justice,” the IGP stated.
The Police boss further urged citizens to continue providing actionable intelligence to security agencies, emphasizing that community participation is vital in sustaining the fight against crime.
The Force also assured the public that all suspects are undergoing thorough investigations and will be charged to court upon completion, warning criminal elements across the country to either repent or face the full weight of the law.
Security analysts have described the latest police operations as one of the most comprehensive in recent years, noting that the arrests could significantly disrupt organized crime syndicates, especially those involved in kidnapping and gunrunning.
The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining law and order, assuring Nigerians of safer communities as the country continues to confront complex security challenges.