Police arrest 50 terrorists, kidnap suspects, recover anti-aircraft launcher, 17 rifles in major nationwide crackdown

Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has announced a significant breakthrough in its ongoing campaign against high-profile criminality, resulting in the arrest of fifty (50) suspects linked to terrorism, kidnapping, and armed robbery.

Force spokesman, DCP Anthony Placid, disclosed this during a press briefing held on April 13, 2026, at the FID-IRT headquarters, Abuja, t.

DCP Placid highlighted a substantial cache of recovered arms, including an anti-aircraft launcher and seventeen (17) rifles.

According to him, the recent operations, conducted by the Force Intelligence Department-Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT), represent a strategic offensive against syndicates that have long threatened the peace of the nation.

“From January 2026 to date, operatives have successfully dismantled various clandestine cells, recovering: 17 rifles of various models, 1 anti-aircraft launcher, 111 rounds of live ammunition, 17 live cartridges, 5 walkie-talkie communication devices used by suspects to coordinate their criminal activities, 9 magazines, 3 mobile phones, and 1 Golf vehicle.

“Among the most notable successes is the dismantling of thirty-three (33) member gang responsible for acts of terrorism, cattle rustling, and the violent attack on the Christ Apostolic Church in Kwara State.

He said the Force also secured justice for its own, apprehending the kingpins responsible for the recent murder of three police officers attached to Donga Divisional Headquarters, in Donga Local Government Area of Taraba State.

“Furthermore, the Nigeria Police Force has made significant strides in securing the Federal Capital Territory and surrounding states by arresting specialized units involved in “one-chance” abductions, car burglaries, and the operation of fake police checkpoints.

“These arrests have not only removed dangerous individuals from the streets but have also led to the recovery of stolen property and operational assets used to terrorize unsuspecting citizens.

“In the same vein, operatives of the FID-IRT, acting on credible intelligence, arrested one Nasiru Ibrahim aged 25 years with one (1) AK-47 rifle, one (1) AK-47 rifle magazine and eight (8) rounds of live ammunition.

The police spokesman said preliminary investigation uncovered that the suspect, revealed to operate within Igumale area of Benue state, is linked to a notorious bandit identified as Janari who had allegedly sold the AK-47 rifle to him.

He said efforts are however underway to apprehend Janari and other members of the syndicate with additional weaponry.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to a more secured Nigeria, noting that these achievements serve as a testament to the relentless efforts of the Nigeria Police in the pursuit of justice.

“Several main suspects are ready for prosecution in courts of competent jurisdiction and the Force is actively pursuing other accomplices and more illegal weapons.

“Nigeria Police Force remains steadfast in its mission to uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of every citizen, utilizing both human and technical intelligence to stay ahead of criminal elements”, he said.