*Over 5,900 suspects arrested nationwide as IGP vows tougher crackdown
By Odita Sunday
The Nigeria Police Force has announced a major breakthrough in its war against gunrunning and organized crime, recovering 360 prohibited firearms, 5,952 live rounds of ammunition and arresting 5,936 suspects for various offences across the country.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the clampdown followed intensified operations coordinated by detectives of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT).
“This renewed onslaught against illegal arms and criminal gangs is part of our commitment to national security under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM. We will continue to ensure Nigerians live in peace without fear of the unknown,” Adejobi stressed.
Among the arrests he highlighted was Jane Anodua, apprehended in Rivers State following a case of child trafficking reported by the Plateau State Ministry of Women Affairs. “Her arrest led to the rescue of four children—two of them 10-year-old girls—who have since been reunited with their families.
”Another high-profile arrest was Tanfa Binbol, picked up on July 13, 2025, in a joint operation between Taraba and Plateau States. Police recovered three AK-47 rifles, five pistols, and one pump-action rifle from his possession.
”Similarly, on July 27, operatives nabbed Jerauji Ibrahim of Adamawa State, recovering two AK-47 rifles, two magazines, and 19 live rounds after he confessed to running arms between local communities”.
According to the Force, the broader clampdown also led to the arrest of 715 armed robbery suspects, 306 kidnappers,
533 homicide suspects, 149 suspects for unlawful possession of firearms, 371 sexual-related offenders, 590 cultists, and
3,272 suspects for other crimes.
”The IRT also seized additional dangerous weapons, including four AK-47s, one G-3 rifle, one SMG rifle, one revolver AK-47, one revolver cartridge rifle, and a locally fabricated pistol.
“These achievements are a testament to our resolve. We are dismantling the networks that fuel crime in our communities, from illegal gunrunners to child traffickers,” Adejobi declared.
The Police urged citizens to remain vigilant and continue supporting law enforcement efforts by providing timely information on suspicious activities.
Police Smash Gunrunning Network, Seize 360 Firearms, 5,952 Rounds of Ammo
