The Nigeria Police Force has intensified its campaign against gunrunning and the illegal possession of firearms, recording significant breakthroughs in recent nationwide operations that led to the recovery of hundreds of weapons and the arrest of thousands of suspects.
At a press briefing held at the Force Intelligence Department – Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) base in Guzape, Abuja, the Force disclosed that a total of 360 prohibited firearms and 5,952 rounds of live ammunition were recovered, while 5,936 suspects were arrested for various offences ranging from armed robbery and kidnapping to murder, unlawful possession of firearms, and cult-related crimes.
According to the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the sustained operations coordinated by IRT detectives under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, reflect the Police Force’s renewed commitment to tackling organized crime and safeguarding communities across the country.
Among the key successes was the arrest of Jane Anodua, a suspect implicated in a child-trafficking case reported by the Plateau State Ministry of Women Affairs. Acting swiftly, operatives apprehended the suspect in Rivers State and rescued two 10-year-old girls. Further investigations led to the recovery of two additional children trafficked to Imo State, all of whom have since been reunited with their families.
In another operation, on July 13, 2025, detectives arrested a suspected gunrunner, Tanfa Binbol, in an operation between Taraba and Plateau States. A search of his premises uncovered three AK-47 rifles, five pistols, and a pump-action rifle. Similarly, on July 27, 2025, another suspect, Jerauji Ibrahim, was arrested in Adamawa State. His confession led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, two magazines, and 19 rounds of live ammunition.
The crackdown also yielded additional weapons, including four AK-47 rifles, a G-3 rifle, a submachine gun, a locally fabricated pistol, and two types of revolver rifles, all recovered from various criminal hideouts.
DCP Adejobi emphasized that the operations send a clear message to criminal networks that the Nigeria Police Force will not relent in its mission to dismantle illegal arms syndicates and restore safety nationwide. He reassured Nigerians that the Force is committed to building a safer environment where citizens can live, work, and conduct their businesses without fear.