- Police Dismantle Terror Cells, Nab 50 Suspects in Nationwide Raid
- IGP Disu Hails Breakthrough
- 25-year-old suspect was arrested with an AK-47 rifle and ammunition
The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against crime, arresting 50 suspects and recovering a cache of high-grade weapons, including an anti-aircraft launcher, during coordinated operations across the country.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the development was disclosed in a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid, following a press briefing held at the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) headquarters in Abuja.
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According to the police, the operations are part of an ongoing nationwide offensive targeting terrorism, kidnapping, armed robbery and other organised crimes.
Recovered items include 17 rifles, one anti-aircraft launcher, 111 rounds of live ammunition, 17 cartridges, communication devices, mobile phones and a vehicle believed to have been used in criminal activities.
Placid revealed that one of the most significant successes was the dismantling of a 33-member gang linked to terrorism, cattle rustling and a violent attack on a church in Kwara State.
He added that suspects connected to the killing of three police officers in Donga were also arrested, describing the development as a step toward justice for the slain officers.
In the Federal Capital Territory and surrounding areas, police operatives also disrupted several criminal networks involved in “one-chance” abductions, fake checkpoints and car burglaries.
In a separate operation in Benue State, a 25-year-old suspect was arrested with an AK-47 rifle and ammunition. Investigations linked the weapon to a wanted bandit, with efforts ongoing to track him down.
Reacting to the development, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reaffirmed the force’s commitment to tackling insecurity through intelligence-led policing.
He noted that many of the suspects will soon be charged in court, while efforts continue to arrest other fleeing members of the criminal networks and recover more illegal weapons.
