The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has announced a major breakthrough in its crackdown on regional insecurity following the arrest of four suspected bandits in Kaduna State. The operation, led by the Force Intelligence Department – Special Tactical Squad (FID-STS), resulted in the recovery of a significant cache of high-caliber firearms and ammunition.
The suspects were apprehended on March 7, 2026, in the Tayu area of Sanga Local Government Area, Kaduna State. According to a statement released by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, the arrests were made possible through “credible intelligence” regarding the movement of criminal elements in the region.
The arrested suspects have been identified as 40-year-old Abdumumini Abubakar, 47-year-old Maikano Gambo, 47-year-old Saleh Thompson, and 40-year-old Oyonyi Odango.
During the tactical raid, police operatives seized an assortment of weapons intended for violent criminal activities. The recovered items include four AK-47 rifles with magazines, 80 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammunition, and one locally fabricated pistol loaded with 20 rounds of 9mm ammunition.
Preliminary findings link the quartet to a wider network of banditry and violent crime that has plagued the Kaduna axis. Police authorities confirmed that investigations remain active as they work to track down fleeing accomplices and locate additional arms caches hidden by
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, lauded the FID-STS operatives for their professionalism and successful execution of the mission.
In the official dispatch from Force Headquarters, the IGP reaffirmed the NPF’s “unwavering commitment” to eradicating banditry. He emphasized that the police force would continue to deploy advanced intelligence gathering and tactical interventions to ensure the safety of lives and property across Nigeria’s most vulnerable regions.
The suspects are expected to be charged in court upon the conclusion of the investigation.