RismadarVoice Reporters, April 14, 2026
The Nigeria Police Force has announced the arrest of 50 suspects and the recovery of a large cache of weapons, including an anti-aircraft launcher, in a series of nationwide intelligence-led operations targeting terrorism, kidnapping, and armed robbery networks.
The operations, carried out by the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT), were disclosed during a press briefing held on April 13, 2026, at its headquarters in Abuja.
According to the Force, the coordinated raids led to the recovery of 17 rifles, an anti-aircraft launcher, 111 rounds of live ammunition, 17 cartridges, nine magazines, five walkie-talkies, three mobile phones, and one vehicle used by suspects for criminal activities.
The Police said among the major breakthroughs was the dismantling of a 33-member gang linked to terrorism, cattle rustling, and the attack on a church in Kwara State. The Force also confirmed the arrest of suspects connected to the killing of three police officers in Taraba State.
In the Federal Capital Territory and surrounding states, operatives arrested members of “one-chance” kidnapping gangs, car burglary syndicates, and individuals operating fake police checkpoints, recovering stolen items in the process.
In a separate operation, a 25-year-old suspect, Nasiru Ibrahim, was arrested in Benue State with an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, and a magazine. Investigations linked him to an arms trafficking network, with efforts ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, said the operations demonstrate the Force’s commitment to combating violent crime and strengthening national security through intelligence-led policing.
He added that several suspects will be prosecuted, while efforts continue to track down remaining members of the criminal networks.
