Dare Babalola
The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a major operational breakthrough in its intensified campaign against violent crime, announcing the arrest of 50 suspects linked to terrorism, kidnapping, and armed robbery across the country.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Okon Placid, following a press briefing held on April 13, 2026, at the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) headquarters in Abuja.
According to the statement, the arrests were made during coordinated nationwide operations by the FID-IRT, targeting criminal syndicates responsible for high-profile attacks and widespread insecurity.
“The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a significant breakthrough in its ongoing campaign against high-profile criminality, resulting in the arrest of fifty suspects linked to terrorism, kidnapping, and armed robbery,” Placid said.
He revealed that the operations led to the recovery of a substantial cache of high-grade weapons, including an anti-aircraft launcher and multiple firearms.
“At the press briefing, the Force highlighted a substantial cache of recovered arms, including an anti-aircraft launcher and seventeen rifles,” he stated.
A breakdown of items recovered during the operations includes 17 rifles of various models, one anti-aircraft launcher, 111 rounds of live ammunition, 17 cartridges, nine magazines, five walkie-talkie communication devices, three mobile phones, and a Golf vehicle.
Placid noted that the operations, conducted between January 2026 and date, were part of a broader strategic offensive aimed at dismantling entrenched criminal networks threatening national security.
Among the major successes recorded was the disbandment of a 33-member gang implicated in terrorism, cattle rustling, and a violent attack on a Christ Apostolic Church in Kwara State.
“Operatives have successfully dismantled various clandestine cells, including a 33-member gang responsible for acts of terrorism, cattle rustling, and the violent attack on a church in Kwara State,” Placid disclosed.
In a separate development, the police also apprehended suspects linked to the killing of three officers attached to the Donga Divisional Headquarters in Taraba State.
“The Force also secured justice for its personnel by apprehending the kingpins responsible for the recent murder of three police officers in Donga Local Government Area of Taraba State,” he added.
The statement further highlighted gains made in securing the Federal Capital Territory and adjoining states, with the arrest of criminal groups involved in “one-chance” abductions, car burglaries, and the operation of fake police checkpoints.
Placid said the arrests led to the recovery of stolen property and tools used in perpetrating crimes, significantly disrupting criminal activities in affected areas.
In one of the targeted operations, police operatives acting on credible intelligence arrested a 25-year-old suspect, Nasiru Ibrahim, in the Igumale area of Benue State. He was found in possession of an AK-47 rifle, a magazine, and eight rounds of live ammunition.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect is linked to a notorious bandit identified as Janari, who allegedly sold the weapon to him,” the statement said.
Efforts are ongoing to track down the said Janari and other members of the criminal network believed to be in possession of additional weapons.
Reacting to the development, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to strengthening internal security and ensuring justice is served.
“These achievements serve as a testament to the relentless efforts of the Nigeria Police Force in the pursuit of justice. Several main suspects are ready for prosecution, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other accomplices,” the IGP stated.
The police leadership reiterated its resolve to deploy both human and technical intelligence in tackling crime, assuring Nigerians of continued vigilance in safeguarding lives and property.
The Force maintained that it remains steadfast in upholding the rule of law while intensifying efforts to rid the country of criminal elements.
