Police Arrest 22 Suspects, Recover Firearms, Vehicles, Motorcycles, Drugs
The Nigeria Police Force has arrested 22 suspects and recovered firearms, vehicles, motorcycles, illicit drugs and other incriminating items following a series of intelligence-led operations across several states of the federation.
The arrests and recoveries were carried out by operatives of the Force Special Tactical Squad (STS), according to a statement issued on Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin. The operations targeted crimes including armed robbery, kidnapping, banditry, cattle rustling, car snatching, economic sabotage, 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, alongside two rounds of live ammunition. He added that 45 other exhibits were also recovered, including vehicles, motorcycles, illicit drugs and items suspected to have been used in the commission of various crimes.
According to the police spokesperson, one of the major breakthroughs occurred along the Kaduna–Abuja Expressway, where STS operatives intercepted a J5 vehicle conveying 13 brand-new motorcycles, weapons and other incriminating materials. Further investigation led to the arrest of a 35-year-old suspect, Luke Ifeanyi, in connection with armed robbery and economic sabotage.
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In another operation within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Hundeyin said operatives arrested a Kuje Custodial Centre escapee, Ayo Abiodun, who is suspected to have violently robbed a serving Nigerian Army officer. He also confirmed the arrest of a 40-year-old suspect, Yusuf Shehu, from whom a stolen tricycle was recovered. Police investigations revealed that Shehu was impersonating a police officer, with a police mobile uniform and a police identity card found in his possession.
The spokesperson further revealed that operatives intercepted a vehicle conveying large quantities of leaves suspected to be cannabis and other controlled substances during routine patrols.
In Edo State, four suspects were arrested for unlawful possession of prohibited firearms and alleged violent attacks on a community, while in Lagos and Ogun states, two suspects linked to a car-snatching syndicate were apprehended.
Similarly, in Nasarawa State and neighbouring states, 12 suspects connected to banditry, kidnapping and cattle rustling were arrested. The suspects were identified as 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. Several firearms were also recovered during the operations.
Hundeyin noted that investigations into all the cases are ongoing and that the suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations, in line with extant laws.
He added that the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, commended the operatives for their courage and professionalism, describing the successes as a reflection of the Force’s commitment to protecting lives, disrupting criminal networks and ensuring public safety across the country.
The IGP also urged members of the public to provide credible information to support the police in the fight against crime and criminality nationwide.
By PRNigeria
