The Nigeria Police Force has arrested 22 suspects and recovered firearms, vehicles, motorcycles, illicit drugs and other incriminating items following a series of intelligence-led operations carried out across several states of the federation.
The arrests were made by operatives of the Force Special Tactical Squad (STS), who targeted criminal activities including armed robbery, kidnapping, banditry, cattle rustling, car snatching, economic sabotage, impersonation and drug trafficking.
In a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, and dated December 25, 2025, the police disclosed that the operations led to the recovery of six firearms and dozens of other exhibits believed to have been used in criminal activities.
The statement reads: “The Nigeria Police Force Special Tactical Squad (STS) has recorded notable operational successes following a series of intelligence-led operations across several states in Nigeria, leading to the arrest of twenty-two (22) suspects linked to serious criminal activities.
The suspects were apprehended for offences including armed robbery, kidnapping, banditry, cattle rustling, car snatching, economic sabotage, impersonation and drug trafficking.
During the operations, the Squad recovered six (6) firearms comprising one LAR rifle, one pump-action gun, one AK-49 rifle, one AK-47 rifle and one SMG rifle, as well as two (2) live rounds of ammunition.
Also, forty-five (45) other exhibits were recovered, including vehicles, motorcycles, illicit drugs and other items reasonably suspected to have been used in the commission of crime.”
According to the police, one of the major breakthroughs occurred along the Kaduna–Abuja Expressway, where STS operatives intercepted a J5 vehicle conveying 13 brand-new motorcycles alongside weapons and other incriminating items.
Further investigation led to the arrest of a 35-year-old suspect, Luke Ifeanyi, who is linked to armed robbery and economic sabotage.
Related operations within the Federal Capital Territory resulted in the arrest of a Kuje Custodial Centre escapee, Ayo Abiodun, who is suspected to have violently robbed a serving Nigerian Army officer.
In another development, operatives arrested a 40-year-old suspect, Yusuf Shehu, from whom a stolen tricycle was recovered. Police investigations revealed that Shehu was impersonating a police officer, with a police mobile uniform and a police identity card recovered in his possession.
The STS also 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 for alleged violent attacks on a community.
In Lagos and Ogun States, two suspects linked to a car-snatching syndicate were apprehended, while in Nasarawa State and neighbouring areas, 12 suspects connected to banditry, kidnapping and cattle rustling were arrested, with several firearms recovered.
The police listed the suspects 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.
The Force said 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.
Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, commended the operatives of the Special Tactical Squad for their courage and professionalism, describing the operations as a reflection of the Force’s commitment to protecting lives and dismantling criminal networks.
The IGP also urged members of the public to continue to support the police by providing credible and timely information to aid the fight against crime across the country.