By Nathaniel Irobi
ABUJA – The Nigeria Police Force has paraded 50 suspects in connection with serious crimes, including terrorism, kidnapping and armed robbery. At a press briefing on 13 April 2026 at the Force Intelligence Department-Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) headquarters in Abuja, the Force announced the recovery of an anti-aircraft launcher, 17 rifles, 111 rounds of live ammunition, 17 live cartridges, nine magazines, five walkie-talkies, three mobile phones and three vehicles.
The operations, conducted by the FID-IRT between January and April 2026, dismantled several criminal syndicates. Among the most notable successes was the breakup of a 33-member gang responsible for terrorism, cattle rustling and the attack on Christ Apostolic Church in Kwara State. The Force also apprehended the kingpins behind the murder of three police officers attached to the Donga Divisional Headquarters in Taraba State.
In the Federal Capital Territory and surrounding states, police arrested specialised units involved in “one-chance” abductions, car burglaries and the operation of fake checkpoints. Stolen property and operational assets were recovered.
In a separate operation, acting on credible intelligence, operatives arrested 25-year-old Nasiru Ibrahim in the Igumale area of Benue State. He was found with an AK-47 rifle, one magazine and eight rounds of live ammunition. Preliminary investigations linked him to a notorious bandit known as Janari, who allegedly sold him the rifle. Efforts are under way to apprehend Janari and recover additional weapons.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to a more secure Nigeria. “These achievements serve as a testament to the relentless efforts of the Nigeria Police in the pursuit of justice,” he said. Several main suspects are ready for prosecution in competent courts, whilst the Force continues to pursue accomplices and illegal weapons.
The Nigeria Police Force said it remains steadfast in upholding the rule of law and protecting citizens’ rights, using both human and technical intelligence to stay ahead of criminal elements.
