By Gabriel Ameh
The Nigeria Police Force says it has arrested 11 suspects in four separate operations involving alleged armed robbery, kidnapping, suspected criminal activities and a ₦75 million gold fraud scheme.
The operations were carried out by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Special Tactical Squad (FID-STS), according to the unit’s commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police Godfrey Ogbeide Victor.
Speaking during a press briefing at the Force Headquarters in Guzape, Abuja, on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, Victor said the operations led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, 20 rounds of live ammunition, stolen mobile phones, suspected counterfeit gold materials and other exhibits.
Police Arrest Four Over Alleged Highway Robbery
In the first operation, police arrested four suspects over alleged involvement in an armed robbery syndicate targeting vehicles transporting mobile phones and other valuable goods along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.
The suspects were identified as Delight Monday, 37; Deborah Saviour Okon, 21; Dambala Umar, 40; and Sanusi Yanusa, 30.
According to the police, preliminary investigations suggested that members of the gang used motorcycles to identify vulnerable vehicles, particularly those that broke down along the expressway, before allegedly attacking occupants and stealing their goods.
The police said the suspects reportedly confessed to participating in a robbery involving a bus transporting mobile phones. Four stolen Tecno Spark 10 phones were recovered.
Investigators also alleged that the suspects manipulated the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers of stolen phones to make tracking more difficult.
Four Arrested Over Kaduna Kidnapping
In a separate operation, operatives arrested four suspects over the alleged kidnapping of a 45-year-old woman, Saran Friday, from her residence in Zankau Zarki, Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State, on August 3, 2026.
The police said the victim was abducted alongside another individual, Emeka Uche, and held captive for six days before regaining her freedom following the payment of a ₦3.5 million ransom.
The kidnappers allegedly stole recharge cards valued at ₦300,000, two vehicle inner tubes and the victim’s Samsung A17 mobile phone.
The phone was subsequently recovered during investigations.
The suspects were identified as Abubakar Salihu, 29; Raymond Ibrahim, 22; Useni Saleh, 23; and Haruna Yahaya, 19.
Suspected Kidnapper Arrested in Nasarawa
The police also announced the arrest of Mohammed Yusuf, popularly known as Memeh, 25, on September 20, 2026.
According to Victor, Yusuf was suspected of involvement in kidnapping and other serious crimes in Nasarawa State and neighbouring areas.
The police alleged that he had links to kidnapping, terrorism, banditry, armed robbery, money laundering and cattle rustling, and had been declared wanted in connection with the offences.
The suspect reportedly provided information that led operatives to recover an AK-47 rifle and 20 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.
The allegations remain subject to investigation and judicial determination.
Three Arrested Over Alleged ₦75m Gold Fraud
In the fourth operation, police arrested three suspects over an alleged gold counterfeiting and fraud scheme involving ₦75 million.
The suspects were identified as Bashiru Aliyu, 31; Sani Surajuo, 25; and Mohammed Auwul. They were arrested in Jambutu, Yola, Adamawa State, on September 14, 2026.
The police said the operation followed a complaint by Onu Emmanuel Okwudili, chief executive officer of Emmaco Minerals Company, Jos, Plateau State.
The complainant alleged that the suspects defrauded him of ₦75 million on May 15, 2026, by presenting counterfeit gold as genuine.
According to the police, investigations suggested that the suspects claimed connections to criminal syndicates operating in Nigeria and other West African countries. They allegedly used chemicals to make counterfeit gold appear authentic.
Police also said Mohammed Auwul was found with a police spy identity card bearing the rank of Superintendent, raising suspicion of impersonation.
Items recovered included 25 kilogrammes of suspected counterfeit gold-plated material comprising 17 units, an additional 10 kilogrammes of smaller suspected counterfeit gold pieces, two cards of suspected tramadol, three counterfeit US$100 notes and the police spy identity card.
Police Promise More Intelligence-Led Operations
Victor attributed the operational results to the support of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, the professionalism of FID-STS personnel and cooperation from other security agencies and members of the public.
He reaffirmed the unit’s commitment to intelligence-led operations aimed at disrupting criminal networks, recovering stolen property and protecting lives and property.
The police urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and report suspicious individuals, movements and activities to the nearest police station or appropriate security agency.
The FID-STS said its operations would continue across the country as part of efforts to strengthen public safety and maintain law and order.
Source: Nigeria Police Force, based on a briefing by FID-STS Commander ACP Godfrey Ogbeide Victor.
