The Nigeria Police Force said it has arrested 33 suspects allegedly linked to terrorism-related activities, cattle rustling and the attack on the Christ Apostolic Church in Kwara State.
The arrest, described by the police as one of the major breakthroughs in its ongoing nationwide crackdown on violent crime, was announced at a press briefing held on April 13, 2026, at the Force Intelligence Department-Intelligence Response Team, FID-IRT, headquarters in Abuja.
Police said the 33 suspects were part of a wider group targeted in operations that have led to the arrest of 50 persons linked to terrorism, kidnapping and armed robbery across the country since January 2026.
The Force said the operations also led to the recovery of a cache of weapons and other items, including an anti-aircraft launcher, 17 rifles, 111 rounds of live ammunition, 17 live cartridges, five walkie-talkie communication devices, nine magazines, three mobile phones and a Golf vehicle.
According to the police, the arrest of the 33 suspects marks a significant step in efforts to dismantle criminal networks blamed for violent attacks and other security threats in parts of the country.
The Force also said it arrested suspects connected to the killing of three police officers attached to the Donga Divisional Headquarters in Donga Local Government Area of Taraba State.
In the Federal Capital Territory and neighbouring states, police said operatives apprehended suspects involved in “one-chance” abductions, car burglaries and the operation of fake police checkpoints.
The police added that operatives acting on intelligence also arrested one Nasiru Ibrahim, 25, in the Igumale area of Benue State with an AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine and eight rounds of live ammunition.
Preliminary investigation, according to the police, showed that the suspect is linked to a notorious bandit identified as Janari, who allegedly sold the rifle to him.
The Force said efforts are ongoing to arrest Janari and other members of the syndicate believed to be in possession of more weapons.
Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, said the arrests and weapons recovery reflect the Force’s determination to tackle criminality and improve security across the country.
He added that some of the principal suspects are ready for prosecution, while investigations continue to track down other accomplices and recover more illegal arms.
