The Nigeria Police Force, through its Special Tactical Squad (STS), has arrested a correctional centre escapee and 21 other suspects in a coordinated nationwide operation targeting violent and organised crime.
The suspects were apprehended across several states for offences ranging from armed robbery, kidnapping, banditry, cattle rustling, and car snatching to economic sabotage, impersonation, and drug trafficking.
The intelligence-led operations also led to the recovery of six firearms, including an LAR rifle, AK-47 and AK-49 rifles, a pump-action gun, an SMG rifle, and two rounds of live ammunition. In addition, 45 other exhibits were recovered, including vehicles, motorcycles, illicit drugs, and items believed to have been used in criminal activities.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday.
Providing details of the operations, Hundeyin said STS operatives intercepted a J5 vehicle along the Kaduna–Abuja Expressway conveying 13 brand-new motorcycles alongside weapons and other incriminating items. Further investigations led to the arrest of a 35-year-old suspect, Luke Ifeanyi, in connection with armed robbery and economic sabotage.
He added that related operations within the Federal Capital Territory resulted in the arrest of Ayo Abiodun, an escapee from the Kuje Custodial Centre, who is suspected of violently robbing a serving Nigerian Army officer.
In another case, a 40-year-old suspect, Yusuf Shehu, was arrested with a stolen tricycle. Police investigations revealed that Shehu was impersonating a police officer, with a police mobile uniform and a police identity card recovered from his possession.
Hundeyin further disclosed that STS operatives intercepted a vehicle conveying large quantities of dried leaves suspected to be cannabis, along with other controlled substances.
Elsewhere, in Edo State, four suspects were arrested for unlawful possession of prohibited firearms and alleged violent attacks on a community. In Lagos and Ogun States, two suspects linked to a car-snatching syndicate were apprehended.
In Nasarawa State and neighbouring areas, 12 suspects identified as Mohammed Isa, John Baba, Musa Iliyasu, Rabiu Hussaini, Mohammed Abdullahi, Adamu Hassan, Usman Mohammed, Umar Musa, Muhammadu Ahmad, Inusa Adamu, Shuaibu Mohammed, and Sulaiman Dabo were arrested in connection with banditry, kidnapping, and cattle rustling. Several firearms were also recovered during the operations.
The police said investigations into all cases are ongoing, and the suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Commending the operatives for their professionalism and bravery, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, said the operations underscore the Force’s unwavering commitment to dismantling criminal networks, protecting lives and property, and enhancing public safety nationwide.
He also urged members of the public to continue providing credible information to support law enforcement efforts across the country.
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