Police IRT Arrests 50 Suspects, Recover Weapons In Nationwide Operations

The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a major operational breakthrough with the arrest of 50 suspects linked to terrorism, kidnapping and armed robbery, alongside the recovery of high-grade weapons across the country.

The development was disclosed during a press briefing held on April 13, 2026, at the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) headquarters in Abuja.

According to the police, the operations—carried out between January and April 2026—targeted criminal networks responsible for violent crimes nationwide.

https://x.com/PoliceNG/status/2043981700837920810?s=20

Recovered items include 17 rifles, one anti-aircraft launcher, 111 rounds of live ammunition, 17 cartridges, nine magazines, five walkie-talkie devices, three mobile phones and a vehicle.

Among the key successes was the dismantling of a 33-member gang involved in terrorism, cattle rustling and an attack on a Christ Apostolic Church in Kwara State.

The police also arrested suspects linked to the killing of three officers attached to the Donga Divisional Headquarters in Taraba State.

In the Federal Capital Territory and surrounding areas, operatives apprehended criminal groups involved in “one-chance” abductions, car burglaries and the use of fake police checkpoints, recovering stolen items and operational tools.

In a separate operation, a 25-year-old suspect, Nasiru Ibrahim, was arrested in Benue State with an AK-47 rifle, a magazine and eight rounds of ammunition.

Investigations revealed alleged links to a suspected bandit identified as Janari, who is currently being tracked by security operatives.

Speaking on the operations, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to strengthening national security and ensuring justice.

He noted that several suspects are already facing prosecution, while efforts continue to apprehend other members of the criminal networks.

The police reiterated their resolve to sustain intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling criminal syndicates and safeguarding lives and property across Nigeria.