Odita Sunday 
Police Bust Kidnap, Banditry Rings, Recover Stolen Vehicles, Rail Materials in Major Crackdown
Odita Sunday
In a sweeping offensive against violent crime, the Nigeria Police Force has dismantled multiple kidnapping, robbery and banditry syndicates, arrested several high-profile suspects and recovered stolen vehicles, sophisticated weapons and vandalised railway materials worth over ₦400 million.
The major security breakthrough, announced on Tuesday in Abuja, followed a series of coordinated intelligence-led operations by the Special Tactical Squad (STS) of the Force Intelligence Department across Kaduna, Nasarawa, Plateau, Taraba and the Federal Capital Territory.
At a press briefing in Abuja, the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, said the operations reflected the renewed determination of the police to confront criminal elements and restore public confidence in national security.
He noted that within the first quarter of 2026 alone, the squad recorded notable successes in seven major cases involving armed robbery, kidnapping, banditry, illegal arms movement and vandalisation of public infrastructure.
One of the most dramatic breakthroughs came in Kaduna State, where police arrested three notorious armed robbery suspects identified as Abubakar Musa, Hassan Umar and Joshua Raphael.
Investigators said Musa, a dismissed corporal of the Nigerian Army, had allegedly been impersonating a serving soldier to evade arrest while carrying out robbery operations.
Their arrest led to the recovery of 10 stolen vehicles of different brands, including Toyota Hilux trucks, Toyota Corolla cars, Lexus, Honda and Toyota RAV4 models.
In a separate raid in Tayu, Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State, operatives arrested four suspected bandits and recovered four AK-47 rifles, magazines, 80 rounds of live ammunition, a locally fabricated pistol and additional 9mm rounds.
Police said the suspects were actively linked to armed robbery and bandit attacks within the region.
The anti-crime squad also made progress in a lingering kidnapping case in Nasarawa State, where two suspects were arrested over the abduction of one Sidi Abubakar, who had reportedly been held captive for more than two months.
According to police findings, the kidnappers demanded ₦6 million ransom, while one of the suspects allegedly collected ₦1.5 million from the victim’s relatives without securing his release. Authorities said efforts were ongoing to locate the victim.
In another major arrest, operatives tracked and apprehended one Saminu Abdullahi in Apo, Abuja, over alleged links to recurring attacks in Plateau State.
Police said the suspect confessed to providing logistical support and cover for bandits during attacks, as well as helping to rear rustled cattle for criminal gangs.
The STS also busted a notorious kidnapping ring in Kaduna, arresting six suspects said to be connected to a dangerous syndicate operating from Rijana Forest under a gang leader known as Kachalla Gwanna.
The suspects were linked to the abduction of CSP Silas Kundi and his son, Enoch, in October 2025, during which ₦24 million ransom and valuables were allegedly collected.
Police said Enoch had since been rescued, while efforts continued to secure the release of the senior officer.
In Taraba State, operatives on mop-up operations recovered an abandoned AK-47 rifle, ammunition and a mobile phone after fleeing suspects escaped into the bush on sighting police officers.
The squad further intercepted a trailer conveying vandalised railway tracks and sleepers weighing about 60 tonnes in Akwanga, Nasarawa State.
Two suspects, Chisom Goodnews and Ahmed Adamu, were arrested, while investigators said the stolen materials were being transported from Bauchi to Ilorin and concealed beneath sacks of groundnut shells to beat security checks. Police valued the recovered railway materials at over ₦400 million.
DCP Placid said the operations underscored the effectiveness, professionalism and resilience of the Special Tactical Squad, adding that the Force would sustain the momentum until all criminal networks were dismantled.
He urged Nigerians to continue partnering with security agencies by providing credible and timely intelligence to enhance safety across the country.
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