The Nigeria Police Force has recorded major breakthroughs in its intensified operations to curb gunrunning, dismantle criminal networks, and reduce the proliferation of prohibited firearms and ammunition across the country.
At a press briefing held on August 3, 2025, at the Force Intelligence Department, Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) Base in Guzape, Abuja, the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed that police operatives recovered 360 prohibited firearms and 5,952 rounds of live ammunition while arresting 5,936 suspects for various offences.
These arrests included 715 suspects for armed robbery, 306 suspected kidnappers, 533 individuals linked to murder and homicide cases, 149 suspects for unlawful possession of firearms, 371 suspects for sexual-related offences, 590 suspected cultists, and 3,272 suspects involved in other crimes across the country.
Adejobi noted that the coordinated nationwide operations were driven by intelligence-led policing strategies under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
He emphasized that these efforts reinforce the Force’s commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of Nigerians and ensuring peace and security in all communities.
Among the notable achievements highlighted was the arrest of Jane Anodua, following a report by the Plateau State Ministry of Women Affairs concerning the abduction and sale of children.
Acting swiftly, IRT operatives apprehended the suspect in Rivers State, leading to the rescue of two 10-year-old girls.
Additional investigations uncovered two more children trafficked to Imo State, who have since been rescued and reunited with their families.
In another operation on July 13, 2025, operatives arrested Tanfa Binbol, a suspected gunrunner operating between Taraba and Plateau States.
A search of his premises led to the recovery of three AK-47 rifles, five pistols, and one pump-action rifle.
Similarly, on July 27, 2025, credible intelligence led to the arrest of Jerauji Ibrahim in Adamawa State.
His confession guided operatives to recover two AK-47 rifles, two magazines, and 19 rounds of live ammunition.
Other coordinated operations across criminal hideouts also yielded the recovery of four AK-47 rifles, one G-3 rifle, one submachine gun (SMG) rifle, one locally fabricated pistol, one revolver AK-47 rifle, and one revolver cartridge rifle, further weakening the operational capacity of violent criminal networks.
DCP Adejobi reaffirmed that the Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of IGP Egbetokun, remains steadfast in its mandate to safeguard lives and property, while ensuring that Nigerians can live and conduct their businesses in an atmosphere of peace and security.
Writing by Niran Odufayo