The Nigeria Police Force has paraded 50 suspects arrested in connection with terrorism, kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes, following a series of coordinated operations across the country.
At a press briefing held on April 13, 2026, at the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) headquarters in Abuja, police authorities disclosed that the arrests were part of an intensified campaign against criminal syndicates threatening national security.
The police also showcased a significant cache of recovered weapons and items, including an anti-aircraft launcher, 17 rifles of various models, 111 rounds of live ammunition, 17 live cartridges, and nine magazines. Other items recovered include five walkie-talkie communication devices, three mobile phones and a vehicle believed to have been used for criminal operations.
According to the Force, the operations—conducted by the FID-IRT—have, since January 2026, led to the dismantling of several criminal networks operating across different parts of the country.
Among the major breakthroughs was the disbandment of a 33-member gang linked to terrorism, cattle rustling and a violent attack on a Christ Apostolic Church in Kwara State. Police also arrested key suspects allegedly responsible for the killing of three officers attached to the Donga Divisional Headquarters in Taraba State.
In the Federal Capital Territory and neighbouring states, the police said it had neutralised multiple criminal cells involved in “one-chance” abductions, car burglaries and the operation of fake police checkpoints, leading to the recovery of stolen property and operational tools.
In a related development, operatives arrested a 25-year-old suspect, Nasiru Ibrahim, in Benue State. He was found in possession of an AK-47 rifle, a magazine and eight rounds of live ammunition. Preliminary investigations linked him to a notorious bandit identified as Janari, who allegedly supplied the weapon. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the said bandit and other members of the syndicate.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property nationwide. He noted that several suspects would soon be charged to court, while operations continue to track down fleeing accomplices and recover more illegal arms.
The police reiterated its resolve to uphold the rule of law, stressing that it would continue to deploy both human and technological intelligence to combat crime and safeguard citizens.
