The Special Tactical Squad (STS) of the Force Intelligence Department of Nigeria Police Force has recorded a major breakthrough in the fight against crimes and criminality with the arrest of 18 suspects linked to banditry, kidnapping and other offences.
In a selected operations led by FID-STS Commander, ACP Victor Ogbeide Godfrey that covers from the First Quarter of 2026, which highlights the first seven major cases of the Squad across Kaduna, Nasarawa, Plateau, Taraba, and the Federal Capital Territory, FPRO, DCP Anthony Okon Placid described it as significant successes,
Briefing journalists at STS headquarters in Abuja, FPRO noted that, “Within these seven cases, the STS recorded significant successes, including the arrest of multiple high-profile suspects, the recovery of firearms and ammunition, and the disruption of organized criminal networks”.
“In addition, stolen vehicles were recovered, illegal arms supply chains were intercepted, and proactive operations led to the rescue of kidnapped victims and the prevention of further criminal activities, particularly within the FCT and surrounding states,” he said.
Conducting newsmen round a trailer load of Railway tracks and sleepers recovered from the duo of one Chisom Goodnews and Ahmed Adamu on 9th April 2026 in Akwanga, Nasarawa State, FPRO narrated how the suspect concealed the iron assets under bags of groundnut shells.
He said, “One (1) trailer truck with registration number KRB 355 SX; railway tracks and sleepers weighing approximately sixty (60) tonnes, concealed under sacks of groundnut shells”.
“Following the expressed directive of the Inspector-General of Police IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu psc(+), NPM to tactical teams to arrest vandals of government properties, operatives of the FID-STS coordinated by the commander ACP Victor Ogbeide Godfrey, acting on actionable intelligence, arrested the duo of Chisom Goodnews and Ahmed Adamu on 9th April 2026 in Akwanga, Nasarawa State with a trailer load of sixty tons (60-Ton).
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects were involved in the transportation of vandalised railway tracks and slippers valued at over Four Hundred Million Naira (₦400,000,000) from Bauchi to Ilorin Kwara State”, he said.
DCP Okon-Placid added that, “these railway tracks and sleepers were concealed under sacks of groundnut shells to evade detection”.
“The trailer truck with registration number KRB 355 SX used for conveyance was also recovered and currently in custody. Investigation is ongoing to apprehend the intended receiver in Ilorin and other members of the syndicate, as well as to recover additional exhibits”, he said.
FPRO maintained that the achievements reflect the continued commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to intelligence-led policing and decisive action against criminal elements.
A total of 18 suspects linked to banditry kidnapping and other offenses were arrested with a good number of arms and ammunitions among other exhibits recovered in the period under review.
Ten (10) vehicles of various brands, including Toyota Hilux trucks, Toyota Corolla cars, a Pontiac Vibe GT, a Honda car, a Lexus vehicle, and a Toyota RAV4 were also recovered.