The Nigeria Police Force has arrested 22 suspects and recovered firearms, vehicles, motorcycles and illicit drugs in a series of intelligence-driven operations across several states.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, saying the arrests were carried out by operatives of the Special Tactical Squad (STS).
According to Hundeyin, the suspects are linked to a range of crimes, including armed robbery, kidnapping, banditry, cattle rustling, car snatching, economic sabotage, impersonation and drug trafficking.
He said six firearms were recovered during the operations, comprising one LAR rifle, a pump-action gun, AK-47 and AK-49 rifles, an SMG rifle, as well as two live rounds of ammunition. In addition, 45 other exhibits, including vehicles, motorcycles and illicit drugs allegedly used in criminal activities, were seized.
The police spokesperson said that in a major operation along the Kaduna–Abuja Expressway, STS operatives intercepted a J5 vehicle conveying 13 brand-new motorcycles, weapons and other incriminating items. A 35-year-old suspect, Luke Ifeanyi, was arrested in connection with alleged armed robbery and economic sabotage.
Within the Federal Capital Territory, Hundeyin said operatives arrested a Kuje Custodial Centre escapee, Ayo Abiodun, who is suspected of robbing a serving Nigerian Army officer. Another suspect, Yusuf Shehu, 40, was also arrested with a stolen tricycle and was found to be impersonating a police officer, with a police mobile uniform and identity card recovered from him.
He added that the squad also intercepted a vehicle transporting large quantities of leaves suspected to be cannabis and other controlled substances.
In Edo State, four suspects were arrested for unlawful possession of prohibited firearms and alleged violent attacks on a community, while two members of a car-snatching syndicate were apprehended in Lagos and Ogun states. Similarly, 12 suspects linked to banditry, kidnapping and cattle rustling were arrested in Nasarawa and neighbouring states, with several firearms recovered.
Hundeyin said investigations were ongoing and that all suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of inquiries.
Commending the operatives, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, said the successes underscored the Force’s commitment to protecting lives and dismantling criminal networks, while urging members of the public to continue providing credible information to the police.
