The Nigeria Police Force has revealed a sweeping operation that led to the arrest of 50 suspects linked to serious crimes across the country.
The operation, carried out by the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT), signals a renewed push against organized crime.
The announcement was made in Abuja, where details of multiple coordinated raids were shared with the public. Moreover, the scale of the operation suggests that several criminal networks had been operating undetected for some time.
From gunrunning to kidnapping, the cases uncovered paint a troubling picture. However, authorities insist that decisive action has now been taken to disrupt these networks and restore public confidence.
According to the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, the operations spanned several states. In addition, they were driven by intelligence gathered over months.
He stated that seven major cases were handled, leading to the arrest of dozens of suspects. Meanwhile, a large cache of weapons and equipment was recovered during the raids.
Items recovered include 17 rifles, 111 rounds of live ammunition, and several communication devices. Furthermore, vehicles and mobile phones linked to criminal activities were seized.
This Nigeria Police operation has drawn attention due to the variety of crimes uncovered.
One of the suspects, Musa Jibrin, was arrested for alleged involvement in kidnapping and banditry. Authorities confirmed that a rifle and an empty magazine were recovered.
“The arrest followed an earlier operation on 26th December 2025, during which one FNC rifle and an empty magazine were recovered from the suspect,” he said.
In another case, four suspects were apprehended in Benue State. They were reportedly involved in setting up fake police checkpoints.
“The suspects specialized in mounting fake police checkpoints to rob unsuspecting members of the public.
“Recovered from them were a locally fabricated rifle, a revolver pistol, live cartridges, and a complete Police Mobile Force uniform used as a decoy.
“These suspects are currently in custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang and recover additional weapons.”
This revelation has raised concerns about impersonation and abuse of police identity. However, officials say measures are being strengthened to prevent such incidents.
Meanwhile, operatives also arrested four suspects in Abuja linked to “one chance” crimes. These crimes involve fake transport services used to rob victims.
Investigations revealed involvement in abduction, robbery, and attempted murder.
Recovered items were linked directly to victims, reinforcing the strength of the case. In addition, efforts are ongoing to track down other members of the syndicate.
In Taraba State, two suspects were arrested in connection with the killing of police officers. Authorities described them as key figures behind violent attacks.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects are the brains behind the killing of three policemen attached to Donga Divisional Police Headquarters on 18th March 2026, and have been linked to other violent attacks and crises in Takum LGA,” Placid said.
Meanwhile, further investigations are being conducted to locate fleeing suspects. The police say additional weapons may still be in circulation.
In a separate operation, 33 suspects were arrested across multiple locations. Abubakar Usman aka Siddi, 26 years; Ibrahim Sa’idu aka Idi Soho, 35 years; Adamu Mohammad aka Baushe/Dogo, 58 years; Abdullahi Abubakar aka Bature, 35 years; Abubakar Abdullahi aka Turke, 35 years; Yusufa Isah aka Munyaye, 50 years; Zubairu Abubakar, 35 years; Shaibu Usman, 35 years; Mohammed Lawai aka Jalel, 40 years; Dahiru Adamu Mohammedu, 50 years; Mohammadu Audu aka Alti, 40 years; Dahiru Alh. Ahmadu, 25 years; Iliyasu Umar aka Magaji, 38 years; Usman Alh. Mati aka Saidu, 30 years; Umar Mohammed aka Mulandan, 25 years; Shehu Usman Mohammed; Umar Mohammed (Jos), 25 years; Mohammadu Ali aka Jabbi/Ruwa, 30 years; Abubakar Mamman, 28 years; Mohammadu Alti, 32 years; Idris Auwal aka Samaila, 26 years; Ajiboye Biodun, 20 years; Lawali Shehu, 32 years; Mohammadu Sani aka Kachalla Ruga, 65 years; Musa Ado aka Maidu, 65 years; Abubakar Adamu aka Buba, 26 years; Mohammadu Zangina aka Zangina, 23 years; Abubakar Shaibu aka Jijji, 20 years; Mohammadu Salihu aka Fulani, 25 years; Mohammadu Musa aka Musa, 23 years; Abubakar Sani aka Siddi, 25 years; Yusufa Isah aka Leriya, 22 years; Mohammadu Ibrahim aka Iro, 21 years. These areas include Kwara and Kogi States.
The suspects were linked to serious crimes such as armed robbery, terrorism, and cattle rustling. Moreover, several high-grade weapons were recovered.
“The gang members were arrested at multiple locations including Gbugbu, Ora-Ago, Baballa, Kaiama, Awi, Charagi, Patigi and Oke-Ode. During operations, the suspects abandoned an anti-aircraft rifle and three AK-47 rifles, which were subsequently recovered by the police,” the Force PRO said.
“Investigation is ongoing to apprehend any fleeing members of the gang and recover additional operational weapons.”
This part of the Nigeria Police operation stands out due to the recovery of an anti-aircraft weapon. Therefore, concerns have been raised about the level of firepower available to criminal groups.
In addition, other arrests were made in Benue and Abuja. One suspect was linked to illegal arms trade, while another was involved in vehicle break-ins.
Authorities confirmed that investigations are still ongoing. Meanwhile, efforts are being intensified to capture remaining suspects.
“Further findings indicate that Chimezie Uzo has been involved in this criminal activity for about three years and had previously been arrested in 2023. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing accomplice and recover additional exhibits,” it added.
However, challenges remain, especially with the presence of well-armed groups. Therefore, sustained efforts will be required to maintain progress.
