Operatives of the Special Tactical Squad (STS) of the Force Intelligence Department (FID), Nigeria Police Force, led by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Victor Ogbeide Godfrey, have dismantled multiple criminal networks across Kaduna, Nasarawa, Plateau, Taraba, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
According to the Force Public Relations Officer, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Anthony Okon Placid, who briefed the media, the operations cover selected cases from the first quarter of 2026. Within seven major cases, the squad recorded significant successes, including the arrest of high-profile suspects, recovery of firearms and ammunition, and disruption of organized criminal networks.
He added that stolen vehicles were recovered, illegal arms supply chains were intercepted, and proactive operations led to the rescue of kidnapped victims, as well as the prevention of further criminal activities, particularly within the FCT and surrounding states.
Placid emphasized that these achievements underscore the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and decisive action against criminal elements.
ARREST OF NOTORIOUS ARMED ROBBERY SUSPECTS AND RECOVERY OF STOLEN VEHICLES
Suspects (3):
- Abubakar Musa, 36 years
- Hassan Umar, 30 years
- Joshua Raphael, 20 years
Exhibits Recovered: Ten (10) vehicles of various brands, including Toyota Hilux trucks, Toyota Corolla cars, a Pontiac Vibe GT, a Honda car, a Lexus vehicle, and a Toyota RAV4
Following the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, operatives of the FID-STS, acting on actionable digital intelligence, arrested the trio on March 16, 2026, in Kaduna State. The suspects had been on the unit’s wanted list.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Abubakar Musa, a dismissed Corporal of the Nigerian Army whose last posting was at the Army School of Artillery, Kachia, Kaduna State, had been impersonating a serving soldier to evade arrest while carrying out armed robbery operations with his accomplices.
KIDNAP CASES AND RESCUE OPERATIONS
Despite delays in securing their release, victims were eventually rescued following police intervention. Enoch Silas was rescued unharmed, while efforts are ongoing to secure the release of CSP Silas Kundi.
The suspects are also linked to the kidnapping of Yusuf Mohammed, Aminu Mohammed, and Aisha Yusuf, where a ransom of Eighteen Million Naira (₦18,000,000) was initially paid before the victims were rescued through coordinated police operations.
Investigations are ongoing, with intensified efforts to apprehend fleeing members of the syndicate, rescue remaining victims, and recover operational weapons.
RECOVERY OF AK-47 RIFLE AND AMMUNITION FROM FLEEING BANDIT SUSPECTS
Suspects: Nil
Exhibits Recovered: One (1) AK-47 rifle; one (1) magazine containing four (4) rounds of 7.62×39mm live ammunition; one (1) Itel Android phone
In a mop-up operation conducted on April 7, 2026, at Chinkai Village in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State, operatives recovered the listed items based on actionable intelligence.
Preliminary findings revealed that the suspects—one identified as Alhaji Haruna, currently at large—are linked to banditry activities in the state. The suspects fled upon sighting operatives, abandoning the items along a riverbank between Nasarawa and Taraba States before escaping into nearby bushland. The recovered items are undergoing digital analysis.
ARREST OF SUSPECTS FOR VANDALISATION OF GOVERNMENT PROPERTY AND RECOVERY OF RAILWAY MATERIALS
Suspects (2):
- Chisom Goodnews, 32 years
- Ahmed Adamu, 22 years
Exhibits Recovered: One (1) trailer truck with registration number KRB 355 SX; railway tracks and sleepers weighing approximately sixty (60) tonnes, concealed under sacks of groundnut shells
Acting on the directive of the Inspector-General of Police to clamp down on vandalism, operatives arrested the suspects on April 9, 2026, in Akwanga, Nasarawa State.
Investigations revealed that the suspects were transporting vandalised railway materials valued at over Four Hundred Million Naira (₦400,000,000) from Bauchi State to Ilorin, Kwara State. The items were concealed to evade detection. The truck used for conveyance has been recovered and is in police custody.
Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the intended receiver and other members of the syndicate, as well as recover additional exhibits.
Placid noted that the cases highlight the effectiveness of the Special Tactical Squad in identifying and dismantling criminal networks nationwide. While describing the successes as significant, he assured that the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to sustaining the momentum, intensifying investigations, apprehending fleeing suspects, and ensuring that all perpetrators are brought to justice.
He also urged members of the public to continue supporting law enforcement with timely and credible information to enhance safety and security across the country.