🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Nigeria Police Force arrests 50 suspects, recovers anti-aircraft launcher in nationwide operations
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The Nigeria Police Force announced the arrest of 50 suspects and the recovery of high-grade weapons, including an anti-aircraft launcher, during nationwide operations targeting terrorism, kidnapping, and armed robbery. Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid, detailed these breakthroughs in a statement following a press briefing on April 13, 2026. Operations by the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team FID-IRT led to the recovery of 17 rifles, one anti-aircraft launcher, 111 rounds of live ammunition, 17 cartridges, five walkie-talkies, nine magazines, three mobile phones, and a vehicle. A significant success was the dismantling of a 33-member gang linked to terrorism, cattle rustling, and an attack on a church in Kwara State. Operatives also arrested suspects connected to the killing of three police officers in Donga and disrupted criminal networks involved in “one-chance” abductions, car burglaries, and fake checkpoints in the Federal Capital Territory and neighboring states. In a related operation, Nasiru Ibrahim was arrested in Benue State with an AK-47 rifle, linked to a wanted bandit named Janari. Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reaffirmed the force’s commitment to tackling insecurity through intensified intelligence-driven policing, stating that many suspects will be charged in court as investigations continue.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, stated that he relies on his wife's prayers for continued support from President Bola Tinubu, highlighting its importance for ministers to fulfill their mandates. Speaking at the inauguration of the Water Supply Network to Bwari Satellite Town, Wike mentioned that his administration has officially commissioned 50 projects and plans to commission 10 more before January. He stressed that presidential backing is crucial for performance, drawing from his experience as a former governor and minister. Wike revealed he asks his wife to pray for the President's continued support for the FCT Administration, acknowledging the support received has enabled positive changes. He added that governance aims to improve citizens' lives, a goal he believes the Tinubu administration is working towards.
Must ReadThe National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA of Nigeria and its Egyptian counterpart are preparing to sign a Memorandum of Understanding MoU to enhance cooperation in fighting substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking. This agreement aims to strengthen intelligence sharing, joint operations, and training between the two nations. NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa retd., announced this during a visit from the Egyptian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mohammed Fouad, at the agency's headquarters in Abuja. Marwa emphasized the global nature of the drug problem and the need for international collaboration, citing existing partnerships with various international law enforcement agencies. He noted that drug cartels are seeking alternative routes in Africa due to pressure elsewhere and highlighted NDLEA's success in dismantling drug manufacturing operations, including methamphetamine labs run by Mexican cartels in Nigeria. Ambassador Fouad underscored the importance of stronger bilateral cooperation between Egypt and Nigeria, as prominent African countries, to address narcotics trafficking from a continental perspective. The proposed MoU is expected to bolster intelligence gathering, capacity building, and coordinated enforcement actions to curb the illicit drug trade across Africa.
A coroner's court in the United Kingdom has ruled that Beatrice Solomon, a 27-year-old Nigerian woman, died by suicide. Ms. Solomon, who moved to the UK in November 2023 on a skilled worker visa, was found unresponsive in her Stanfield home. Her husband, Damian Butler, discovered her upon returning home from work. Emergency responders pronounced her dead at the scene. Police investigators ruled out any third-party involvement. During the inquest, Mr. Butler stated that his wife had struggled with her mental health for the past year, attributing it to issues with Stoke-on-Trent City Council. He also revealed that Ms. Solomon had made two previous attempts to take her own life. A post-mortem examination determined the cause of death as oxygen deprivation. Coroner Li Hammond-Naylor concluded that Ms. Solomon died by suicide, noting that she had researched and planned the act. Ms. Solomon, a caregiver, is survived by her husband, a son, and her siblings.