The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has arrested ten suspects in a coordinated intelligence crackdown on gunrunning, drug trafficking and kidnapping across eight states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The operations covered Plateau, Adamawa, Kaduna, Zamfara, Lagos, Ondo, Kogi and the FCT.
Police recovered 19 firearms, including seven AK-47 rifles, three pump-action guns, two single-barrel guns, two Beretta pistols and four locally made revolver rifles.
Operatives also seized 189 rounds of live ammunition, magazines, cartridges and large quantities of illicit drugs. The drugs included 24 bags of Indian hemp and other controlled substances.
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Police recovered ₦150,000, suspected to be proceeds from drug trafficking.
The Force spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the arrests followed sustained intelligence gathering, surveillance and inter-agency cooperation.
He explained that operatives of the Force Intelligence Department – Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) carried out the operations.
On September 9, 2025, police operatives arrested Adamu Zaki Babangida in Plateau State after receiving credible intelligence. They recovered a pump-action rifle from him.
Further investigation led to the recovery of four locally fabricated revolver rifles on October 23, 2025.
On the same day, police arrested Chibuke Nnaji with a fake gun permit. Investigators traced the document to Joshua Izang, also known as Buffalo.
Police arrested Izang and recovered a pump-action rifle, two single-barrel guns and live cartridges. Investigations to arrest other suspects continue.
Adamawa–Cameroon arms supply network
On October 26, 2025, operatives arrested Daudume Bayina in Adamawa State after weeks of intelligence work.
Police recovered two Beretta pistols, ammunition and magazines. Investigators found that Bayina supplied weapons to border communities and had operated for over a year.
Further investigation led to the arrest of John Magah and Ishaya Stephen. Police linked them to arms supply for bandits along the Adamawa–Cameroon border.
Operatives recovered an AK-47 rifle, a pump-action gun and cartridges. Police also uncovered evidence of long-term gun fabrication and sales.
On November 2, 2025, operatives working with the Department of State Services (DSS) intercepted a vehicle in Kaduna State.
They arrested Ifeanyi Egbeke and recovered tramadol, codeine, injection syrups, hypnos tablets and Indian hemp.
Investigators found that the drugs were supplied to criminal groups in Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara and Sokoto states.
Zamfara bandit arms route uncovered
In Zamfara State, intelligence tracking led operatives to Birnin Tasaba village.
Police arrested Salisu Mohammed, also known as Mande Dawa. They recovered an AK-47 rifle, magazines and 32 rounds of live ammunition hidden inside a millet bag.
Investigators linked the suspect to arms deliveries to bandits along the Obajana axis of Kogi State.
Operatives also intercepted a trailer travelling from Lagos to Abuja.
They arrested Uchenna Ikpe after discovering 24 bags of Indian hemp hidden in the vehicle.
The suspect told police he would receive ₦150,000 for transporting the drugs. Investigations to identify the sponsors continue.
In another operation in Kaduna State, police arrested Yunana Iliya, also known as Bado.
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Intelligence linked him to arms dealing and kidnapping activities. Operatives recovered five AK-47 rifles and 150 rounds of live ammunition.
Police connected the suspect to a wider network involved in arms supply and child abduction. Other suspects remain at large.
Hundeyin said investigations remain ongoing across all cases.
He added that the police will continue efforts to dismantle remaining criminal networks and recover more illegal weapons and drugs.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
