The Nigeria Police Force Special Tactical Squad (STS) has recorded significant operational successes following a series of intelligence-led operations across several states, resulting in the arrest of 22 suspects linked to various serious crimes.
The suspects were apprehended for offences including armed robbery, kidnapping, banditry, cattle rustling, car snatching, economic sabotage, impersonation and drug trafficking. During the operations, the Squad recovered six firearms—comprising one LAR rifle, one pump-action gun, one AK-49 rifle, one AK-47 rifle and one submachine gun—as well as two live rounds of ammunition.
In addition, 45 other exhibits were recovered, including vehicles, motorcycles, illicit drugs and other items suspected to have been used in criminal activities.
In a major operation along the Kaduna–Abuja Expressway, STS operatives intercepted a J5 vehicle conveying 13 brand-new motorcycles alongside weapons and other incriminating items. Further investigations led to the arrest of a 35-year-old suspect, Luke Ifeanyi, in connection with armed robbery and economic sabotage.
Related operations within the Federal Capital Territory resulted in the arrest of a Kuje Custodial Centre escapee, Ayo Abiodun, who is suspected to have violently robbed a serving Nigerian Army officer. In another case, a 40-year-old suspect, Yusuf Shehu, was arrested with a stolen tricycle.
Investigations revealed that Shehu was impersonating a police officer, with a police mobile uniform and a police identity card recovered from him. STS operatives also intercepted a vehicle conveying large quantities of leaves suspected to be cannabis and other controlled substances.
Elsewhere, in Edo State, four suspects were arrested for unlawful possession of prohibited firearms and alleged violent attacks on a community. In Lagos and Ogun States, two suspects linked to a car-snatching syndicate were apprehended. Similarly, in Nasarawa State and neighbouring areas, 12 suspects connected to banditry, kidnapping and cattle rustling were arrested, with several firearms recovered during the operations.
The arrested suspects include Mohammed Isa, John Baba, Musa Iliyasu, Rabiu Hussaini, Mohammed Abdullahi, Adamu Hassan, Usman Mohammed, Umar Musa, Muhammadu Ahmad, Inusa Adamu, Shuaibu Mohammed and Sulaiman Dabo.
Investigations into all cases are ongoing, and the suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations, in line with extant laws.
Commending the operatives for their courage and professionalism, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, said the successes reflect the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to protecting lives, disrupting criminal networks and ensuring public safety. He urged members of the public to continue providing credible information to support the police in the fight against crime and criminality across the country.
