Police Arrest 22 Suspects, Recover Weapons in Nationwide Intelligence-Led Operations

The Nigeria Police Force has arrested 22 suspects and recovered several firearms, vehicles, motorcycles and illicit substances during intelligence-led operations carried out across multiple states in the Country.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the operations were conducted by operatives of the Force Special Tactical Squad and targeted crimes including armed robbery, kidnapping, banditry, cattle rustling, impersonation and drug trafficking.

Hundeyin disclosed that six firearms were recovered during the operations, comprising one LAR rifle, one pump-action gun, one AK-49 rifle, one AK-47 rifle and one SMG rifle, along with two rounds of live ammunition.

He added that 45 other exhibits, including vehicles, motorcycles and suspected illicit drugs, were also seized.

One of the major operations occurred along the Kaduna–Abuja Expressway, where operatives intercepted a J5 vehicle conveying 13 brand-new motorcycles, weapons and other incriminating materials.

Further investigations led to the arrest of a 35-year-old suspect, Luke Ifeanyi, in connection with alleged armed robbery and economic sabotage.

In another operation within the Federal Capital Territory, Police arrested a Kuje Custodial Centre escapee, Ayo Abiodun, who is suspected of carrying out a violent robbery involving a serving Nigerian Army officer.

The Police also arrested a 40-year-old suspect, Yusuf Shehu, who was allegedly impersonating a Police Officer and was found in possession of a stolen tricycle. A Police Mobile uniform and a Police identity card were recovered from him.

In Edo State, four suspects were arrested for unlawful possession of prohibited firearms and alleged violent attacks on a community.

Similarly, in Lagos and Ogun States, two suspects linked to a car-snatching syndicate were apprehended.

The Nigeria Police Force said investigations into all the cases are ongoing, while efforts are being intensified to dismantle criminal networks and improve Security Nationwide.