Police Net 50 In Nationwide Crackdown, Recover Anti-Aircraft Launcher, High-Grade Weapons
In a decisive escalation of Nigeria’s fight against organised crime, the Nigeria Police Force has recorded a major operational breakthrough, arresting 50 suspects linked to terrorism, kidnapping and armed robbery across the country.
At a press briefing on April 13, 2026, at the Force Intelligence Department-Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) headquarters in Abuja, police authorities unveiled a significant cache of recovered weapons, including an anti-aircraft launcher and 17 rifles, highlighting the scale and sophistication of criminal networks targeted in the operation.
The nationwide crackdown, spearheaded by the FID-IRT, forms part of a sustained offensive against high-profile criminal syndicates.
From January 2026 to date, operatives have dismantled multiple clandestine cells and recovered 111 rounds of live ammunition, 17 cartridges, nine magazines, five walkie-talkies, three mobile phones, and a Golf vehicle used in criminal operations.
Among the standout achievements is the takedown of a 33-member gang implicated in terrorism, cattle rustling, and a violent attack on a Christ Apostolic Church in Kwara State.
In a separate breakthrough, police apprehended key suspects linked to the killing of three officers attached to the Donga Divisional Headquarters in Taraba State.
Security gains were also recorded within the Federal Capital Territory and neighbouring states, where specialised gangs involved in “one-chance” abductions, car burglaries, and fake police checkpoints were dismantled.
The operations led to the recovery of stolen items and tools used to terrorise residents.
In Benue State, operatives acting on intelligence arrested 25-year-old Nasiru Ibrahim in the Igumale area, recovering an AK-47 rifle, a magazine, and eight rounds of live ammunition.
Investigations revealed links to a suspected bandit identified as Janari, believed to have supplied the weapon. Efforts are ongoing to track down the fugitive and other members of the network.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to national security, noting that several suspects are set for prosecution while operations continue to apprehend fleeing accomplices and recover more illegal arms.
The Police emphasised its resolve to deploy both human and technological intelligence to stay ahead of criminal elements and safeguard citizens across the country.
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