The Nigeria Police Force says that 50 people have been arrested in a nationwide security operation for terrorism, kidnapping, and armed robbery in several states.
The Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) executed the operation, which was made public at a briefing in Abuja on April 13, 2026.
Police reported that the operation resulted to the confiscation of a large cache of weaponry, including an anti-aircraft launcher, 17 rifles, ammunition, magazines, and communication equipment that criminal gangs are said to have used.
The report says that the arrests are connected to a number of criminal groups that are involved in terrorism, stealing cattle, armed robbery, and violent attacks on communities and security forces all around the country.
One of the operations that got a lot of attention was the breaking up of a 33-member gang that was thought to be involved in terrorism and attacks on religious sites in Kwara State.
In another case, people who were thought to be involved in the deaths of police officers in Taraba State were also arrested.
More arrests were made in the Federal Capital Territory and nearby locations. These arrests were aimed at groups that were involved in “one-chance” robberies, automobile break-ins, and pretending to be security officials.
Reports say that operators in Benue State found an AK-47 weapon, ammo, and a suspect who is thought to be part of a larger arms trafficking network.
Olatunji Rilwan Disu, the Inspector-General of Police, said again that the Force is committed to fighting organized crime. He said that several suspects will be charged while the police continue to look for accomplices who have fled.
The police said that the continuing nationwide crackdown will use both intelligence collection and technology-based surveillance to break up criminal networks and make the country safer.
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