The Nigerian Police Force has paraded a large number of suspects arrested for various criminal activities across several states, marking a major security milestone in the first quarter of 2026. The operation, led by operatives of the Special Tactical Squad (STS) under the Force Intelligence Department, resulted in the arrest of multiple high-profile suspects, recovery of stolen vehicles and firearms, and the rescue of a kidnapped victim. The press briefing was held in Abuja on Tuesday, showcasing the STS’s intelligence-driven approach to tackling organized crime in Kaduna, Nasarawa, Plateau, Taraba, and the Federal Capital Territory.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Okon Placid, highlighted seven major cases handled by the STS in the first three months of 2026. These operations led to the recovery of ten vehicles, including Toyota Hilux trucks, Corolla cars, a Pontiac Vibe GT, a Honda, a Lexus, and a Toyota RAV4. Among those arrested for stealing these vehicles were Abubakar Musa, 36, Hassan Umar, 30, and Joshua Raphael, 20. Investigations revealed that Abubakar Musa, a dismissed Corporal from the Nigerian Army’s School of Artillery in Kachia, Kaduna, had been impersonating a serving soldier to avoid detection while committing armed robberies with his accomplices.
In another significant development, four armed banditry suspects—Abdumumini Abubakar, 40, Maikano Gambo, 47, Saleh Thompson, 47, and Oyonyi Odango, 40—were arrested on March 7, 2026, in Tayu, Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The STS recovered four AK-47 rifles with magazines, 80 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammunition, and one locally fabricated pistol with 20 rounds of 9mm ammunition. Preliminary investigations confirm their involvement in armed robbery and banditry activities in the region.
The Police also rescued a kidnapped victim, Sidi Abubakar, who had been abducted over two months ago in Toto, Nasarawa State. On March 18, 2026, operatives arrested Abubakar Yusuf, 40, and Sani Abubakar, 30, following a complaint about the kidnapping. The suspects had demanded six million naira as ransom, and after collecting one million five hundred thousand naira from the victim’s relative, they disappeared without releasing the victim. This case underscores the growing menace of ransom kidnappings and the need for swift police intervention.
Other suspects paraded include Saminu Abdullahi, 25, Yusuf Shuaibu, 23, Abubakar Bature, 19, Yau Murtala, Bello Suleiman, 19, Abdul Kareem Nuhu, 36, Ahmed Musa, 28, Chisom Goodnews, 32, and Ahmed Adamu, 22, all charged with various offenses. The Police emphasized that these successes reflect their commitment to intelligence-led policing and decisive action against criminal elements. As security challenges persist, the Force’s proactive measures signal a determined effort to restore public confidence and ensure safer communities across Nigeria.
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