Police Nab 50 Suspects, Recover Anti-Aircraft Launcher, 17 Rifles in Major Crackdown
The Nigeria Police Force has announced the arrest of 50 suspects linked to various criminal activities, including kidnapping, armed robbery, banditry, and terrorism, in a series of coordinated operations across the country.
The Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placide, disclosed this during a press briefing held on Monday at the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) headquarters in Guzape, Abuja.
According to him, the operations, conducted between January and April 2026, led to the recovery of significant weapons and exhibits, including 17 rifles, 111 rounds of live ammunition, an anti-aircraft launcher, magazines, communication devices, vehicles, and mobile phones.
Placide described the achievements as a testament to the police’s ongoing efforts to combat crime and enhance national security.
Among the cases highlighted was the arrest of Musa Jibrin, who was found in possession of an FNC rifle and an empty magazine. Investigations revealed he obtained the weapon from an accomplice currently on the run.
In another operation, four suspects were arrested in Benue State for operating a fake police checkpoint used to rob unsuspecting members of the public. Items recovered from them included locally fabricated firearms, ammunition, and a Police Mobile Force uniform used as a disguise.
Similarly, four individuals were apprehended along the Dei-Dei/Kubwa Expressway in Abuja for their involvement in abduction, “one chance” extortion, and robbery. Police recovered a vehicle, mobile phones, and cash linked to their operations.
The police also arrested three suspects connected to the killing of three officers in Donga, Taraba State. One AK-47 rifle was recovered, while investigations continue to track down other fleeing members of the group.
In a major breakthrough, 33 suspects linked to a deadly attack on a church in Kwara State and other violent crimes were arrested across multiple locations in Kwara and Kogi States. Recovered items included seven AK-47 rifles, magazines, an anti-aircraft launcher, ammunition, and communication devices.
Additionally, a suspect was arrested in Benue State for illegal possession of an AK-47 rifle, while another individual was apprehended in Abuja for car burglary, with a master key recovered.
The police spokesperson assured that efforts are ongoing to apprehend fleeing suspects and recover more weapons, adding that all those arrested will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to strengthening its operations and collaborating with other security agencies to ensure the safety of lives and property across the country.
