The Nigeria Police Force has recorded significant operational successes in its ongoing fight against crime, as operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) arrested 50 suspects and recovered a cache of arms and other incriminating items in a series of coordinated operations across the country.
This was disclosed during a press briefing held on April 13, 2026, at the FID-IRT Headquarters in Guzape, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid.
According to the Police, the operations—conducted between January and April 2026—targeted criminal networks involved in gunrunning, kidnapping, armed robbery, banditry, and other violent crimes. The operations led to the recovery of 17 rifles, 111 rounds of live ammunition, multiple magazines, communication devices, vehicles, and mobile phones.
One of the key arrests involved Musa Jibrin, who was apprehended for criminal conspiracy and unlawful possession of firearms. An FNC rifle and an empty magazine were recovered from him, with investigations revealing links to a suspected arms supplier currently at large.
In another operation in Benue State, four members of an armed robbery syndicate—identified as Anuga Emmanuel, Peter John, Francis Abba Idoko, and Ohepo Ogwuche—were arrested. The group reportedly specialized in mounting fake police checkpoints to rob unsuspecting members of the public. Items recovered from them included locally fabricated firearms, live cartridges, and a Police Mobile Force uniform used as a disguise.
Similarly, operatives apprehended four suspects linked to abduction, “one chance” extortion, and robbery along the Dei-Dei/Kubwa Expressway in Abuja. The suspects—Lucky Ogoibe, Chinedu Nwazak, Dorathy Ogu, and Nonso Uzo—were found with stolen items, including mobile phones, a vehicle, and cash belonging to victims.
In Taraba State, the IRT arrested three suspects—Shagari Ali, Sule Abdullahi, and Idris Akawu—allegedly responsible for the killing of three policemen in Donga Local Government Area. An AK-47 rifle was recovered during the operation, while investigations continue to track down other accomplices.
A major breakthrough was recorded in the arrest of 33 suspected members of a notorious criminal network operating across Kwara and Kogi States. The group has been linked to multiple crimes, including kidnapping, cattle rustling, armed robbery, and terrorism. During the operations, police recovered seven AK-47 rifles, magazines, an anti-aircraft launcher, communication उपकरणs, and ammunition. The suspects were apprehended in several locations, including Gbugbu, Kaiama, Patigi, and Okeode.
In a related development, Nasiru Ibrahim was arrested in Benue State for unlawful possession of an AK-47 rifle and ammunition. Investigations revealed he allegedly purchased the weapon from a suspected bandit, now at large.
Additionally, Chimezie Uzo was arrested in Abuja for car burglary and theft. He was found in possession of a locally fabricated master key and is believed to have been involved in vehicle break-ins for several years alongside an accomplice who remains at large.
The Police emphasized that investigations are ongoing in all cases, with efforts intensified to apprehend fleeing suspects and recover additional weapons.
Reaffirming the Force’s commitment to public safety, the Police assured Nigerians of continued collaboration with other security agencies and the strengthening of intelligence-driven operations to combat crime and ensure a safer society.
The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its resolve to uphold the rule of law and protect citizens, expressing confidence that sustained efforts will lead to improved security nationwide.
