Nigeria Police Force Launches Nationwide Crackdown, Arrests 50 Suspects and Seizes High-Grade Weapons.
Nigeria Police Force Launches Nationwide Crackdown, Arrests 50 Suspects and Seizes High-Grade Weapons.
…….As Major Operations Target Networks Behind Killings, Kidnappings, Armed Robberies, and Terrorism
Lucky Akra
In a decisive move against violent crime, the Nigeria Police Force has arrested 50 suspects and recovered a significant cache of high-grade weapons during a nationwide crackdown spanning from January to April 2026.
The operations, spearheaded by the Force’s Intelligence Response Team, followed a series of intelligence driven initiatives aimed at dismantling gunrunning syndicates and organized criminal networks across several states.
During a press briefing on Monday at the Force Intelligence Department in Guzape, Abuja, Force Public Relations Officer DCP Anthony Okon Placid detailed the success of the operations. He reported the recovery of 17 rifles, 111 rounds of live ammunition, 17 cartridges, various magazines, three vehicles, communication devices, and other evidence linked to violent crimes.
“In recent months, we have highlighted seven major cases that reflect our commitment to combating crime and ensuring public safety,” Placid stated. He credited the ongoing efforts of Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu in fortifying security across the nation.
Among the notable arrests was Musa Jibrin, apprehended for criminal conspiracy and unlawful possession of firearms. His arrest stemmed from a prior operation in December 2025, where an FNC rifle was recovered. Investigations revealed he obtained the weapon from an accomplice, Bala, who remains at large.
In Benue State, four members of an armed robbery gang were captured while conducting fake police checkpoints to rob unsuspecting motorists. Among the recovered items were a locally fabricated rifle and a complete Police Mobile Force uniform, which they used for impersonation.
A separate incident in Abuja led to the apprehension of four suspects linked to abductions and robbery. Police recovered items including cash and mobile phones believed to be the proceeds of crime, some of which had identifiable links to victims.
In Taraba State, operatives arrested three suspects connected to the killings of three police officers, with preliminary investigations linking them to multiple violent incidents across local government areas.
A major breakthrough occurred with the capture of 33 suspects from a notorious criminal network active in Kwara and Kogi states. Investigations into a violent attack on a church in Kwara prompted a series of coordinated raids that resulted in the recovery of advanced weaponry, including seven AK47 rifles and ammunition.
Additional arrests included Nasiru Ibrahim, found in possession of an AK47 rifle, and Chimezie Uzo, apprehended for car burglary outside a magistrate court. Each suspect is believed to have connections to larger criminal operations, prompting ongoing investigations.
DCP Placid confirmed that all arrested suspects will face legal action upon the completion of investigations. He reiterated the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to enhancing intelligence capabilities and collaborating with other law enforcement agencies to combat crime effectively.
“With sustained efforts and public cooperation, we are confident that our operations will continue to yield results and contribute to a safer and more secure Nigeria,” he concluded.
