By Oluwakemi Kindness
Security operatives have arrested a dismissed soldier and 17 other suspects in a coordinated series of intelligence-led operations targeting criminal syndicates across several states in Nigeria.
The nationwide crackdown, conducted in the first quarter of 2026 by special tactical units, led to the recovery of stolen vehicles, firearms, ammunition, and vandalised government property, as well as the disruption of kidnapping and banditry networks.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid, said three suspects were arrested in Kaduna State, including a dismissed soldier who had been on the watchlist of security agencies.
He disclosed that preliminary investigations revealed that the ex-military personnel played a coordinating role in a vehicle theft syndicate and collaborated with other criminal actors.
Three stolen vehicles were recovered during the operation, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang.
He said in a separate operation, four suspects were arrested in possession of a cache of weapons, including four AK-47 rifles with magazines, 80 rounds of ammunition, a locally fabricated pistol, and additional bullets.
According to the police, the suspects attempted to resist arrest but were overpowered. Investigations are ongoing to trace their wider criminal connections.
Elsewhere in Nasarawa State, two suspects were arrested in connection with a kidnapping incident involving a ransom demand of ₦6 million.
Placid revealed that part of the ransom had already been paid before their arrest. Efforts are ongoing to rescue the victim and track down other members of the kidnapping syndicate.
In another breakthrough, six suspected kidnappers linked to multiple abductions were arrested in a separate operation targeting a gang operating from a forest hideout.
The FPRO said one victim was rescued during the raid, while search efforts continue for others still in captivity.
In Taraba State, security operatives intercepted illegal arms, recovering an AK-47 rifle and ammunition abandoned by fleeing suspects believed to be involved in banditry activities.
A manhunt has been launched to apprehend those who escaped.
Meanwhile, in Nasarawa State, two suspects were arrested for vandalising railway infrastructure. Recovered items included a truck loaded with railway sleepers and other stolen railway materials.
Police also reported that the suspects allegedly attempted to bribe operatives, an offer which was rejected.
Placid said the operations underscore the effectiveness of intelligence-driven policing in dismantling criminal networks nationwide.
He added that efforts are ongoing to arrest fleeing suspects, recover more weapons and stolen property, and rescue kidnapped victims.
The police also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing security operations across the country.
