The Nigeria Police Force Special Tactical Squad (STS) has arrested 22 suspects linked to armed robbery, kidnapping, banditry and other serious crimes in a series of intelligence-led operations across several states of the federation.
The arrests were confirmed in a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, on Thursday, December 25, 2025.
According to the statement, the suspects were apprehended for offences ranging from armed robbery, kidnapping, banditry, cattle rustling, car snatching, economic sabotage, impersonation, to drug trafficking.
Hundeyin disclosed that during the coordinated operations, operatives of the Special Tactical Squad recovered six firearms, including one LAR rifle, one pump-action gun, one AK-49 rifle, one AK-47 rifle and one sub-machine gun (SMG), alongside two live rounds of ammunition.
“Additionally, a total of 45 other exhibits were recovered, including vehicles, motorcycles, illicit drugs and other items reasonably suspected to have been used in the commission of crimes,” Hundeyin said.
He revealed that in a major operation along the Kaduna–Abuja Expressway, STS operatives intercepted a J5 vehicle conveying 13 brand-new motorcycles, along with weapons and other incriminating items.
“Further investigations led to the arrest of a 35-year-old suspect, Luke Ifeanyi, who is being investigated for armed robbery and economic sabotage,” he added.
In closely related operations within the Federal Capital Territory, Hundeyin stated that operatives arrested a Kuje Custodial Centre escapee, Ayo Abiodun, who is suspected to have violently robbed a serving officer of the Nigerian Army.
“In another development, a 40-year-old suspect, Yusuf Shehu, was arrested with a stolen tricycle. Investigations revealed that he was impersonating a police officer, and items recovered from him include a police mobile uniform and a police identity card,” the statement said.
The police spokesperson further disclosed that operatives intercepted a vehicle conveying large quantities of leaves suspected to be cannabis, alongside other controlled substances.
Elsewhere in Edo State, four suspects were arrested for unlawful possession of prohibited firearms and alleged violent attacks on a community.
“In Lagos and Ogun States, two suspects linked to a car-snatching syndicate were apprehended,” Hundeyin said.
He added that in Nasarawa State and other neighbouring states, 12 suspects: 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 — were arrested for offences connected to banditry, kidnapping and cattle rustling, with several firearms recovered during the operations.
Hundeyin noted that 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, commending the operatives of the Special Tactical Squad for their bravery and professionalism, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, said the successes underscore the Force’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
“The IGP emphasised that these achievements reflect the Nigeria Police Force’s resolve to disrupt criminal networks and ensure public safety,” Hundeyin said.
The IGP also urged members of the public to continue providing credible information to support the police in the fight against crime and criminality across the country.
