Police arrest 50 suspects and recover weapons in nationwide raids
Three to four sentences introducing the story. The Nigeria Police Force has arrested 50 suspects and recovered high-grade weapons, including an anti-aircraft launcher, during a nationwide operation against terrorism, kidnapping, and armed robbery. The announcement was made in a statement by Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid, detailing a press briefing held on April 13, 2026 at the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team headquarters in Abuja. The operations are part of a sustained offensive against criminal syndicates across the country. The force says these efforts have led to the dismantling of major criminal gangs and the recovery of stolen property.
What happened
- The police recovered 17 rifles, one anti-aircraft launcher, 111 rounds of live ammunition, 17 cartridges, five walkie-talkies, nine magazines, three mobile phones, and a vehicle.
- From January 2026 to date, operatives have dismantled various clandestine cells and disrupted criminal networks.
- A 33-member gang linked to terrorism, cattle rustling, and an attack on the Christ Apostolic Church in Kwara State was dismantled.
- Suspects connected to the killing of three police officers in Donga were arrested, and a 25-year-old suspect, Nasiru Ibrahim, was apprehended in Benue State with an AK-47 rifle.
- The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, stated that several suspects will soon be charged in court while efforts continue to apprehend remaining accomplices.
