The Force Intelligence Department–Special Tactical Squad (FID-STS) of the Nigeria Police Force has arrested 11 suspects in four separate operations involving alleged armed robbery, kidnapping, a suspected notorious kidnapper and gold counterfeiting fraud valued at ₦75 million.
The arrests, according to the Commander of FID-STS, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Godfrey Ogbeide Victor, were part of sustained efforts by the police to dismantle criminal networks and strengthen security across the country.
Speaking during a press briefing at the Force Headquarters in Guzape, Abuja, on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, Victor said the operations yielded the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, 20 rounds of live ammunition, stolen mobile phones, suspected counterfeit gold materials and other exhibits
The suspects were identified as Delight Monday, 37; Deborah Saviour Okon, 21; Dambala Umar, 40; and Sanusi Yunusa, 30
Preliminary investigations indicated that the gang allegedly used motorcycles to identify vulnerable vehicles, particularly those that broke down along the expressway, before attacking their occupants and stealing their goods.
The police said the suspects reportedly confessed to their involvement in a robbery involving a bus conveying mobile phones. Four stolen Tecno Spark 10 phones were recovered.
Investigators also discovered that the suspects allegedly manipulated the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers of stolen phones to frustrate tracking by security agencies.
In a separate operation, four suspects were arrested in connection with the kidnapping of a 45-year-old woman, Saran Friday, from her residence in Zankau Zarki, Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State, on August 3, 2026.
The victim was reportedly abducted alongside another individual, Emeka Uche, and held captive for six days before regaining her freedom following the payment of ₦3.5 million ransom.
The kidnappers allegedly carted away recharge cards worth ₦300,000, two vehicle inner tubes and the victim’s Samsung A17 mobile phone. The police subsequently recovered the phone during the investigation.
The suspects were identified as Abubakar Salihu, 29; Raymond Ibrahim, 22; Useni Saleh, 23; and Haruna Yahaya, 19.
In another breakthrough, FID-STS operatives arrested Mohammed Yusuf, alias Memeh, 25, on September 20, 2026, over alleged involvement in kidnapping and other serious criminal activities in Nasarawa State and neighbouring areas.
According to the police, Yusuf was allegedly linked to kidnapping, terrorism, banditry, armed robbery, money laundering and cattle rustling, and had been declared wanted in connection with the offences.
The suspect reportedly provided information that led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle and 20 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.
The fourth operation resulted in the arrest of three suspects over an alleged gold counterfeiting and fraud scheme involving ₦75 million.
The suspects, Bashiru Aliyu, 31; Sani Surajuo, 25; and Mohammed Auwul, were arrested at Jambutu, Yola, Adamawa State, on September 14, following a complaint by the Chief Executive Officer of Emmaco Minerals Company, Jos, Plateau State, Mr. Onu Emmanuel Okwudili.
The complainant alleged that the suspects defrauded him of ₦75 million on May 15, 2026, by presenting counterfeit gold as genuine.
Police investigations reportedly indicated that the suspects claimed links to criminal syndicates operating in Nigeria and other West African countries and allegedly used chemicals to make counterfeit gold appear authentic.
One of the suspects, Mohammed Auwul, was also reportedly found with a police spy identity card bearing the rank of Superintendent, raising suspicion of impersonation.
Items recovered during the operation included 25 kilogrammes of suspected counterfeit gold-plated material comprising 17 units, an additional 10 kilogrammes of smaller suspected counterfeit gold pieces, two cards of suspected tramadol, three counterfeit US$100 notes and the police spy identity card.
Victor attributed the operational successes to the support of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, as well as the professionalism of FID-STS personnel and cooperation from other security agencies and members of the public.
He reaffirmed the unit’s commitment to sustained intelligence-led operations aimed at disrupting criminal networks, recovering stolen property and protecting lives and property.
The police urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons, movements and activities to the nearest police station or appropriate security agency.
The FID-STS assured Nigerians that its operations would continue across the states of the federation to strengthen public safety and maintain law and order.
