Nigeria Police Arrest 50 Suspects, Seize Anti-Aircraft Launcher in Nationwide Crackdown

The Nigeria Police Force has arrested 50 suspects linked to terrorism, kidnapping, and armed robbery, and recovered a cache of high-grade weapons—including an anti-aircraft launcher—during a series of coordinated operations conducted since the beginning of the year, officials said Sunday.

Speaking at a briefing at the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) headquarters in Abuja, police authorities described the operation as a strategic offensive targeting criminal syndicates that have long threatened public safety across the country.

According to a statement from the force’s public relations office, items recovered from dismantled networks include 17 rifles of various models, one anti-aircraft launcher, 111 rounds of live ammunition, 17 cartridges, five walkie-talkies, nine magazines, three mobile phones, and a Volkswagen Golf vehicle.

Police said the most significant breakthrough involved the dismantling of a 33-member gang allegedly responsible for acts of terrorism, cattle rustling, and a violent attack on the Christ Apostolic Church in Kwara State.

Authorities also reported progress in the investigation into the killing of three police officers in Taraba State. The suspects believed to be behind the attack on officers attached to the Donga Divisional Headquarters in Donga Local Government Area have been apprehended. 

In the Federal Capital Territory and neighbouring states, police operations also led to the arrest of suspects involved in so-called “one-chance” abductions, car burglaries, and the operation of fake police checkpoints. Stolen items and tools used in carrying out these crimes were recovered.

In a separate intelligence-led operation in Benue State, operatives arrested 25-year-old Nasiru Ibrahim in the Igumale area. He was found in possession of an AK-47 rifle, a magazine, and eight rounds of live ammunition. Preliminary investigations indicate the weapon was supplied by a suspected bandit identified as Janari, who remains at large. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend him and other members of the syndicate.

Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu reaffirmed the force’s commitment to national security, describing the operations as evidence of sustained efforts to combat crime and ensure justice.

He added that several key suspects are ready to be prosecuted, while investigations continue to track down additional accomplices and recover more illegal weapons.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains steadfast in its mission to uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of every citizen, leveraging both human and technical intelligence to stay ahead of criminal elements,” said the force’s public relations officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, in a statement issued Monday.