The Nigeria Police Force, through its Special Tactical Squad (STS), has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing nationwide operations against crime with the arrest of one correctional centre escapee and 21 other suspects linked to a wide range of criminal activities across several states of the federation.
The coordinated operations, which were carried out based on intelligence-led investigations, targeted crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping, banditry, cattle rustling, car snatching, economic sabotage, impersonation, and drug trafficking. The police said the sustained efforts also led to the recovery of a significant cache of weapons and other incriminating items.
According to the Force, six firearms were recovered during the operations. These include an LAR rifle, AK-49 and AK-47 rifles, a pump-action gun, a submachine gun (SMG) rifle, as well as two live rounds of ammunition. In addition, no fewer than 45 other exhibits were seized, including vehicles, motorcycles, illicit drugs, and other materials believed to have been used in carrying out criminal activities.
One of the major successes recorded was along the Kaduna–Abuja Expressway, where STS operatives intercepted a J5 vehicle conveying 13 brand-new motorcycles. The motorcycles were suspected to be intended for criminal operations. Weapons and other incriminating items were also recovered from the vehicle. Further investigation led to the arrest of a 35-year-old suspect, Luke Ifeanyi, who was linked to armed robbery and acts of economic sabotage.
Related operations within the Federal Capital Territory also led to the arrest of a suspected escapee from the Kuje Custodial Centre, identified as Ayo Abiodun. He is alleged to have carried out a violent robbery involving a serving officer of the Nigerian Army.
In another operation, a 40-year-old suspect, Yusuf Shehu, was arrested with a stolen tricycle recovered from him. Investigations revealed that the suspect had been impersonating a police officer. Items recovered from his possession included a police mobile uniform and a police identity card, which he allegedly used to deceive members of the public and facilitate criminal activities.
The Special Tactical Squad also intercepted a vehicle transporting large quantities of leaves suspected to be cannabis, along with other controlled substances believed to be illicit drugs. The interception forms part of the Force’s ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking and substance abuse-related crimes across the country.
Elsewhere, in Edo State, four suspects were arrested for unlawful possession of prohibited firearms and for their alleged involvement in violent attacks on a community. In Lagos and Ogun States, two suspects believed to be members of a car-snatching syndicate were apprehended following intelligence-driven surveillance and tracking.
In Nasarawa State and other neighbouring states, the police arrested 12 suspects connected to banditry, kidnapping, and cattle rustling. The suspects include 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 from them during the operations.
The police stated that investigations into all the cases are ongoing, and all suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations in accordance with the law.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, commended the operatives of the Special Tactical Squad for their bravery, professionalism, and dedication. He noted that the successful operations underscore the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to protecting lives and property, dismantling criminal networks, and ensuring public safety nationwide.
He also called on members of the public to continue to support law enforcement agencies by providing timely and credible information that can aid in preventing and combating crime across the country.
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