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 carried out across several states by operatives of the Force Special Tactical Squad (STS).
In a statement on December 25, 2025, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed that the suspects were apprehended for various offences, including armed robbery, kidnapping, banditry, cattle rustling, car snatching, economic sabotage, impersonation and drug trafficking. Items recovered during the operations include six firearms—comprising an LAR rifle, a pump-action gun, an AK-49 rifle, an AK-47 rifle and an SMG rifle—along with two rounds of live ammunition.
Police also recovered 45 other exhibits, including vehicles, motorcycles and large quantities of illicit drugs suspected to have been used in criminal activities.
In one major operation along the Kaduna–Abuja Expressway, STS operatives intercepted a J5 vehicle conveying 13 brand-new motorcycles, weapons and other incriminating items. Further investigation led to the arrest of a 35-year-old suspect, Luke Ifeanyi, in connection with armed robbery and economic sabotage.
Within the Federal Capital Territory, operatives arrested a Kuje Custodial Centre escapee, Ayo Abiodun, who is suspected to have carried out a violent robbery against a serving Nigerian Army officer. Another suspect, Yusuf Shehu, aged 40, was arrested with a stolen tricycle. Police investigations revealed that Shehu was impersonating a police officer, with a police mobile uniform and identity card recovered from him.
Operatives also intercepted a vehicle conveying large quantities of dried 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.
Similarly, in Nasarawa and neighbouring states, 12 suspects connected to banditry, kidnapping and cattle rustling were arrested, with several firearms recovered during the operations.
The arrested 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.
Police authorities said investigations into all the cases are ongoing, and the suspects will be charged to court upon completion of investigations in accordance with the law.
Commending the operatives for their courage and professionalism, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, 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.
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