The Nigeria Police Force, through its Special Tactical Squad (STS), has arrested 22 suspects and recovered firearms, vehicles, motorcycles, illicit drugs and other incriminating items during a series of intelligence-led operations across several states.

The suspects were arrested for offences including armed robbery, kidnapping, banditry, cattle rustling, car snatching, economic sabotage, impersonation and drug trafficking.

According to the Force, the operations led to the recovery of six firearms, comprising one LAR rifle, one pump-action gun, one AK-49 rifle, one AK-47 rifle and one submachine gun (SMG), as well as two live rounds of ammunition. A total of 45 exhibits were also recovered, including vehicles, motorcycles, illicit drugs and other items suspected to have been used in criminal activities.

In a major operation along the Kaduna–Abuja Expressway, STS operatives intercepted a J5 vehicle conveying 13 brand-new motorcycles alongside weapons and other incriminating items. Further investigation resulted in the arrest of a 35-year-old suspect, Luke Ifeanyi, in connection with armed robbery and economic sabotage.

Related operations within the Federal Capital Territory led to the arrest of a Kuje Custodial Centre escapee, Ayo Abiodun, who is suspected to have violently robbed a serving Nigerian Army officer. In another case, a 40-year-old suspect, Yusuf Shehu, was arrested in possession of a stolen tricycle. Investigations revealed that Shehu was impersonating a police officer, with a police mobile uniform and a police identity card recovered from him. Operatives also intercepted a vehicle conveying large quantities of leaves suspected to be cannabis and other controlled substances.

In Edo State, four suspects were arrested for unlawful possession of prohibited firearms and for alleged violent attacks on a community. In Lagos and Ogun States, two suspects linked to a car-snatching syndicate were apprehended.

Additionally, in Nasarawa and neighbouring states, 12 suspects connected to banditry, kidnapping and cattle rustling were arrested. Several firearms were recovered during the operations. The suspects include 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.

The police said investigations into all cases are ongoing and that the suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations, in line with extant laws.

Commending the operatives for their professionalism and courage, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, said the successes reflect the Force’s commitment to protecting lives, dismantling criminal networks and ensuring public safety. He also urged members of the public to continue providing credible information to support the police in the fight against crime nationwide.