The Nigeria Police Force has arrested 20 suspects in a series of coordinated operations across Imo, Benue, Lagos, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), recording major breakthroughs against terrorism, cultism, murder, armed robbery and vandalism. The operations also led to the recovery of nine firearms, 61 rounds of ammunition and cartridges, terrorist-related exhibits, and a stolen vehicle, while several high-profile investigations remain ongoing.
According to the Force’s operational update covering the last 24 hours, police operatives also arrested a woman in Benue State over the alleged killing of her one-month-old stepdaughter.
In Imo State, operatives of the Police Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) raided a suspected terrorist hideout in Eziudo, Ezinihite Mbaise Local Government Area, leading to the arrest of four armed suspects.
Recovered during the operation were three pump-action guns, 30 live cartridges, Biafra flags, military and police uniforms, recruitment forms, charms, and photographs of purported leaders.
Police said the suspects confessed to ongoing recruitment activities and involvement in multiple terrorist attacks across the state.
In a separate operation in Owerri, operatives arrested 23-year-old Opara Ikechi and four other suspected cultists at Bishop’s Court. The team recovered locally fabricated pistols, 31 rounds of live ammunition, a dagger, and a suspected confraternity scarf. The State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Owerri, has commenced investigations.
In Benue State, police arrested Nancy Sunday for allegedly killing her one-month-old stepdaughter by smashing the infant’s head while the child’s mother, Miracle Sunday, was away in Anambra State.
The crime scene was processed, while the body was evacuated to the Teaching Hospital Morgue in Aliade for autopsy. The SCID in Makurdi has taken over the investigation.
In Lagos State, police arrested Damilare Oladuni Orija over the alleged murder of a 19-year-old identified as Jide.
The suspect allegedly stabbed the victim with a pair of scissors during an incident at Agboyi 1, Alapere-Ketu. Detectives documented the crime scene, while the deceased’s body was deposited at a public morgue for preservation and autopsy. The case is under investigation by the SCID, Panti.
In Ebonyi State, police apprehended 22-year-old Ezekiel Francis Akam, a suspected armed robber, at his hideout in Oriuzor, Ezza North Local Government Area, following credible intelligence from local vigilantes.
The suspect, who is linked to a December 2025 armed robbery case, reportedly attempted to flee before being apprehended with suspected cartridge wounds on his left leg. A battle axe was recovered during a search of the premises, and he is currently receiving treatment at the Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (FETHA II) while investigations continue.
In Akwa Ibom State, stop-and-search operatives arrested Divine Effiong Udo, 33, in Ikot Obong Otor village after responding to reports of gunshots.
Recovered from the suspect were a single-barrel gun and two expended cartridges. Police said discreet investigations are ongoing to apprehend other members of the suspected gang.
In the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), police recovered an abandoned ash-coloured Peugeot 406 with registration number GWA 124 GP from the basement of 21st Mall, Gwarinpa, after it remained unclaimed for 15 days. Investigations are ongoing to identify its rightful owner.
Also in the FCT, operatives arrested Ikoh Precious, 26, and Fabian Agaar, 30, over the alleged vandalisation of critical railway infrastructure.
According to police, the suspects repeatedly ignored warnings from members of the community, forced an oncoming train to make an emergency stop, and incited a crowd after vandalising railway facilities. The FCT Criminal Investigation Department is investigating the incident.
The Nigeria Police Force said investigations are ongoing in all the cases as it reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property and bringing criminal elements to justice.
