The Nigeria Police Force has announced the arrest of four suspected bandits and the recovery of firearms and ammunition during a targeted operation in Kaduna State.
According to a statement issued on Sunday, the operation was carried out by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Special Tactical Squad (FID-STS), following credible intelligence on criminal activities in the area.
The suspects identified as Abdumumini Abubakar (40), Maikano Gambo (47), Saleh Thompson (47), and Oyonyi Odango (40) were arrested on March 7, 2026, in Tayu, Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Items recovered from them include four AK-47 rifles with magazines, 80 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammunition, one locally fabricated pistol, and 20 rounds of 9mm ammunition.
Preliminary investigations, according to the police, indicate that the suspects are linked to banditry and other violent criminal activities within Kaduna State and surrounding areas.
The Force said investigations are ongoing to track down other members of the suspected criminal network who are currently on the run, as well as to recover additional weapons believed to be in circulation.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, commended the operatives for what he described as a professional and intelligence-driven operation. He reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to intensifying the fight against banditry and other forms of violent crime across the country.
Force Public Relations Officer, Deputy Commissioner of Police Anthony Okon Placid, who signed the statement from Force Headquarters in Abuja, assured that the police would sustain ongoing operations aimed at ensuring public safety and security.
He added that the Force remains resolute in its mandate to protect lives and property and dismantle criminal networks operating within Nigeria.