Nationwide Raids: Police seize rifles, arrest 22 suspects

The Nigeria Police Force has announced the arrest of 22 suspected criminals by operatives of its Special Tactical Squad (STS) following coordinated, intelligence-driven operations across several states.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, the arrests were linked to a wide range of serious crimes. He said, “The suspects were arrested for offences ranging from armed robbery, kidnapping, banditry, cattle rustling and car snatching to economic sabotage, impersonation and drug trafficking.”

Hundeyin disclosed that the operations led to the recovery of six firearms, including “one LAR rifle, one pump-action gun, one AK-49 rifle, one AK-47 rifle and one SMG rifle, as well as two live rounds of ammunition.”

He added that “45 other exhibits, including vehicles, motorcycles, illicit drugs and items suspected to have been used in criminal activities,” were also seized.

One of the major breakthroughs occurred along the Kaduna–Abuja Expressway, where STS operatives intercepted a J5 bus transporting 13 new motorcycles, weapons and other incriminating materials. Subsequent investigations resulted in the arrest of a 35-year-old suspect, Luke Ifeanyi, over alleged armed robbery and economic sabotage.

In the Federal Capital Territory, police arrested a Kuje Custodial Centre escapee, Ayo Abiodun, who is suspected of robbing a serving Nigerian Army officer. Another suspect, 40-year-old Yusuf Shehu, was apprehended with a stolen tricycle. Police said investigations showed that Shehu had been impersonating a police officer, with a mobile police uniform and identity card recovered from him.

The statement further revealed that operatives intercepted a vehicle conveying large quantities of leaves suspected to be cannabis, alongside other controlled substances.

In Edo State, four suspects were arrested for unlawful possession of prohibited firearms and alleged violent attacks on a community. Two members of a car-snatching syndicate were also apprehended in Lagos and Ogun states.

Similarly, operations in Nasarawa and adjoining states led to the arrest of 12 suspects linked to banditry, kidnapping and cattle rustling, with several firearms recovered.

Police authorities confirmed that investigations are ongoing and that all suspects will be charged to court upon completion of inquiries.

Commending the STS operatives, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, said the achievements “underscore the Force’s commitment to protecting lives and property, dismantling criminal networks and ensuring public safety.” He urged citizens to continue providing credible intelligence to support the fight against crime nationwide.