The Nigeria Police Force has announced a significant breakthrough in its fight against crime, with the arrest of twenty-two suspects and the recovery of a cache of arms, vehicles, and illicit drugs. The operations, which were intelligence-driven, were executed across multiple states by the Force's Special Tactical Squad (STS).
Major Haul: Firearms and Exhibits Seized
According to a statement released on Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the suspects are linked to a wide range of serious offences. The crimes include armed robbery, kidnapping, banditry, cattle rustling, car snatching, economic sabotage, impersonation, and drug trafficking.
During the coordinated raids, operatives successfully recovered six firearms. The seized arsenal includes:
- One LAR rifle
- One pump-action gun
- AK-47 and AK-49 rifles
- An SMG rifle
- Two live rounds of ammunition
In addition to the weapons, forty-five other exhibits were confiscated. These comprised several vehicles, motorcycles, and quantities of illicit drugs believed to be instrumental in facilitating criminal activities.
Key Operations and Arrests Across States
The police detailed several notable operations that led to the arrests. In a major interception along the busy Kaduna-Abuja Expressway, STS operatives stopped a J5 vehicle. The vehicle was found to be carrying thirteen brand-new motorcycles, weapons, and other incriminating items. This led to the arrest of a 35-year-old suspect, Luke Ifeanyi, who is now facing allegations of armed robbery and economic sabotage.
Within the Federal Capital Territory, officers apprehended Ayo Abiodun, an escapee from the Kuje Custodial Centre. He is suspected of involvement in robbing a serving officer of the Nigerian Army.
Another arrest involved Yusuf Shehu, 40, who was caught with a stolen tricycle. Further investigation revealed he had been impersonating a police officer. A police mobile uniform and an identity card were recovered from him.
The squad also made a significant drug bust, intercepting a vehicle transporting large quantities of leaves suspected to be cannabis and other controlled substances.
In Edo State, four suspects were arrested for the unlawful possession of prohibited firearms and alleged violent attacks on a community. Meanwhile, two members of a car-snatching syndicate were apprehended in operations spanning Lagos and Ogun states.
A major success was recorded in the fight against banditry, with twelve suspects linked to banditry, kidnapping, and cattle rustling arrested in Nasarawa and neighbouring states. Several firearms were recovered from this group.
Ongoing Investigations and Police Commitment
CSP Hundeyin confirmed that investigations into all the cases are ongoing. All suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the inquiries.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, commended the operatives for their diligence. He stated that these successes are a clear reflection of the Force's unwavering commitment to protecting the lives and property of citizens and dismantling criminal networks across the country.
The IGP also urged members of the public to continue their support by providing timely and credible information to the police to aid in further preventing and detecting crime.
