Authorities Apprehend Over 5,900 Suspects, Retrieve Thousands of Firearms and Bullet Supplies
In a series of coordinated operations, the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Nigeria Police Force has made significant strides in tackling violent crimes and gunrunning across the country.
On July 13, 2025, suspected gunrunner Tanfa Binbol was intercepted by operatives. Binbol, who confessed to supplying arms between Taraba and Plateau States, was found with rifles, pistols, and a pump-action gun at his residence. Other raids also yielded a cache of firearms, including AK-47 rifles, a G-3 rifle, a submachine gun, locally fabricated pistols, and revolvers from various criminal hideouts.
On July 27, 2025, Jerauji Ibrahim from Adamawa State was arrested with two AK-47 rifles, magazines, and live ammunition. These arrests are part of the 5,936 suspects arrested by the police in recent operations, in connection with various crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping, homicide, unlawful possession of firearms, sexual crimes, cultism, and other criminal activities.
The recovered items include 360 prohibited firearms and 5,952 rounds of live ammunition. Notably, a woman named Jane Anodua was arrested in connection with a child trafficking case reported by the Plateau State Ministry of Women Affairs. Her confession led to the rescue of four children, including two ten-year-old girls.
The Nigerian Police leadership has restated its commitment to tackling gunrunning, curbing the spread of illegal weapons, and ensuring the safety of citizens across the country. The Federal Government has approved ₦1 billion for a Police Training Institute in Jigawa, demonstrating its support for the police in their fight against crime.
However, there have been political developments that have raised concerns. Sowore, a prominent critic, has rejected a police invitation and set conditions for his appearance, while criticizing the tenure extension of security officials as "ethnic capture, not governance." The police have not made any public statements regarding the summon of a Kaduna Senator over alleged threats against Gov. Sani.
Despite these challenges, there have been no reports of gunmen mocking police officers after a deadly attack on a checkpoint or issuing fresh threats. This suggests that the police operations are having a deterrent effect on criminal activities.
The Nigerian Police have also unveiled advanced technology tools to tackle violent crimes nationwide. These tools are expected to further enhance the police's ability to combat crime and ensure the safety of citizens.
As the fight against crime continues, the Nigerian Police Force remains resolute in its commitment to maintaining peace and security in the country. The rescued children have since been reunited with their parents, offering a glimmer of hope in the face of adversity.
