By Nkechi Eze
The Nigeria Police Force has recorded significant operational successes following a series of intelligence-led operations conducted by its Special Tactical Squad (STS) across several states of the federation, leading to the arrest of twenty-two suspects linked to various serious crimes.
In an official signed statement, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed that the suspects were apprehended for offences ranging from armed robbery, kidnapping, banditry and cattle rustling to car snatching, economic sabotage, impersonation and drug trafficking. He stated that the operations also resulted in 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, alongside two live rounds of ammunition. According to him, a total of forty-five other exhibits were also recovered, comprising vehicles, motorcycles, illicit drugs and other items reasonably suspected to have been used in the commission of crimes.
A major breakthrough was recorded along the Kaduna–Abuja Expressway, where STS operatives intercepted a J5 vehicle conveying thirteen brand-new motorcycles, weapons and other incriminating items. Further investigation into the interception led to the arrest of a 35-year-old suspect, Luke Ifeanyi, who is currently being investigated for armed robbery and economic sabotage.
Related operations within the Federal Capital Territory led to the arrest of a Kuje Custodial Centre escapee, Ayo Abiodun, who is suspected to have carried out a violent robbery against a serving officer of the Nigerian Army. In another development, a 40-year-old suspect, Yusuf Shehu, was arrested in possession of a stolen tricycle. Police investigations revealed that Shehu was impersonating a police officer, with a pair of police mobile uniforms and a police identity card recovered from him. STS operatives also intercepted a separate vehicle conveying large quantities of leaves suspected to be cannabis, along with other controlled substances.
In Edo State, four suspects were arrested for unlawful possession of prohibited firearms and for allegedly carrying out violent attacks on a community. In Lagos and Ogun States, two suspects linked to a car-snatching syndicate were apprehended. Similarly, coordinated operations in Nasarawa and other neighbouring states resulted in the arrest of twelve suspects connected to banditry, kidnapping and cattle rustling. The suspects were identified as 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. Several firearms were also recovered during these operations.
The police stated that investigations into all the cases are ongoing and that the suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations, in line with extant laws.
Commending the operatives of the Special Tactical Squad for their courage and professionalism, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, said the operational successes reflect the Nigeria Police Force’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property, dismantling criminal networks and ensuring public safety across the country. He further urged members of the public to continue to support the police with credible and timely information to aid the fight against crime and criminality nationwide.
