The Nigeria Police Force’s Special Tactical Squad (STS) has arrested one correctional centre escapee and 21 other suspects across several states in connection with armed robbery, kidnapping, banditry, cattle rustling, car snatching, economic sabotage, impersonation, and drug trafficking.

According to the police, the operations, conducted following intelligence-led investigations, also led to the recovery of six firearms, including an LAR rifle, AK-49 and AK-47 rifles, a pump-action gun, an SMG rifle, and two live rounds of ammunition.

Forty-five additional exhibits were recovered, including vehicles, motorcycles, illicit drugs, and other items suspected to have been used in criminal activities.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday.

Providing specifics of the operations, the FPRO said, “In a major operation along the Kaduna–Abuja Expressway, STS operatives intercepted a J5 vehicle conveying thirteen (13) brand-new motorcycles, alongside weapons and other incriminating items. Further investigations into the matter led to the arrest of a 35-year-old suspect, Luke Ifeanyi, in connection with armed robbery and economic sabotage.

“Closely related operations within the Federal Capital Territory also resulted in the arrest of a Kuje Custodial Centre escapee, Ayo Abiodun, who is suspected to have violently robbed a serving Nigerian Army officer.

“In another development, a 40-year-old suspect, Yusuf Shehu, was arrested, from whom a stolen tricycle was recovered. Investigation revealed that Shehu was impersonating a police officer, and recovered in his possession are a pair of police mobile uniform and a police identity card.

“More so, STS operatives intercepted a vehicle conveying large quantities of leaves suspected to be cannabis and other controlled substances.”

Elsewhere, in Edo State, Hundeyin added that “four (4) suspects were arrested for unlawful possession of prohibited firearms and for alleged violent attacks on a community. In Lagos and Ogun States, two (2) suspects linked to a car-snatching syndicate were apprehended.

“Additionally, in Nasarawa and other neighbouring States, twelve (12) suspects, namely 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, connected to banditry, kidnapping and cattle rustling were arrested, with several firearms recovered during the operations.”

He said investigations into all cases are ongoing, and the suspects will be charged to court upon completion of investigations.

Commending the operatives for their courage and professionalism, the statement noted that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, said the operations demonstrate the Force’s commitment to protecting lives, dismantling criminal networks, and ensuring public safety.

He urged the public to provide credible information to support law enforcement efforts across the country. (The PUNCH)

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