Police Dismantle 33-member Terrorism Gang In Nationwide Crackdown
By Anne Osemekeh, Abuja
The Nigeria Police Force said its operatives have dismantled a 33-member gang linked to terrorism, cattle rustling, and a violent attack on a Christ Apostolic Church in Kwara State.
According to the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid, in a statement on Tuesday, the suspects are among 50 others arrested in the course of operations conducted by the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) against criminal syndicates threatening national security.
Placid disclosed that operatives also arrested key suspects responsible for the killing of three officers attached to the Donga Divisional Headquarters in Taraba State, and added that officials also recovered a cache of high-grade weapons, including an anti-aircraft launcher and 17 rifles.
He said that since January this year, operatives have dismantled multiple cells and recovered 17 rifles, one anti-aircraft launcher, 111 rounds of live ammunition, 17 cartridges, five walkie-talkies, nine magazines, three mobile phones, and a Golf vehicle.
In the Federal Capital Territory and neighbouring states, the Force intensified efforts against “one-chance” abductions, car burglaries, and fake police checkpoints, leading to the arrest of several suspects and recovery of stolen assets used in criminal operations.
In a related operation, FID-IRT operatives arrested 25-year-old Nasiru Ibrahim in Benue State with an AK-47 rifle, a magazine, and eight rounds of ammunition. Investigations revealed links to a notorious bandit identified as Janari, who allegedly supplied the weapon. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fugitive and other members of the network.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to national security, stating that several suspects will soon face prosecution while efforts continue to track down remaining accomplices and recover more illegal arms.
