Police Smash Terror Network, Illegal Arms Factory, Recover AK Rifles In Nationwide Crackdown

• Police operatives have arrested three suspected terrorist collaborators in Imo State, including the alleged owner of a terrorist camp, while recovering two AK rifles, one of which was linked to the killing of a Homeland Security Guard.

• In a separate operation in Taraba, the police dismantled an illegal firearms manufacturing operation, and arrested a 50-year-old suspected arms maker, recovering six locally manufactured firearms and tools allegedly used in weapons production.

• Security personnel in Plateau State repelled an attack on Tanjol Village, Riyom Local Government Area, and rescued two injured personnel after the attackers fled into the surrounding forest.

• The nationwide operations also produced arrests in connection with suspected murder, culpable homicide and cult-related violence, while police investigated a deadly mob action in Niger State.

August 24, () — The Nigeria Police Force has intensified its crackdown on terrorism, illegal arms manufacturing and violent crime across the country, arresting suspected terrorist collaborators, dismantling an illegal weapons factory and recovering firearms linked to previous attacks.

The latest operations, conducted across Imo, Taraba, Plateau, Bauchi, Gombe, Ogun and Niger states, also resulted in the arrest of suspects in connection with murder, culpable homicide and alleged cult-related violence.

The Force, in its state-by-state executive summary of operational successes for August 24, 2026, said the operations were carried out between August 21 and 23 as part of intensified efforts to disrupt criminal networks and prevent further attacks.

In Imo State, the police recorded one of the most significant breakthroughs after operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit arrested three suspected terrorist collaborators, including a man identified as the alleged owner of a terrorist camp. The operation also led to the recovery of two AK rifles.

Force Spokesperson, CSP Ani Iniedu, said one of the weapons, an AK-49 rifle, had been linked to the murder of a Homeland Security Guard, while the second, an AK-47 rifle, was among firearms reportedly snatched from Agwa Police Station during an attack on the facility in 2022.

The three suspects remain in custody as detectives attached to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Owerri, investigate their alleged links to a wider terrorist network.

Police Bust Illegal Arms Factory in Taraba

In Taraba State, the police uncovered and dismantled an illegal firearms manufacturing operation following credible intelligence. A 50-year-old suspect, identified as an alleged manufacturer of illegal firearms and sophisticated weapons, was arrested during the operation.

Six firearms were recovered, comprising four locally made Dane guns and two single-barrel guns. Police operatives also recovered tools and other materials allegedly used for the manufacture of firearms.

The Force said the suspect had been cooperating with investigators and providing information on alleged buyers of the weapons.

Attack Repelled, Two Security Personnel Rescued in Plateau

In Plateau State, security personnel successfully repelled an attack on Tanjol Village in Riyom Local Government Area, forcing the attackers to retreat into the surrounding forest.

Following the attack, a joint search-and-rescue operation was launched to locate security personnel who had been caught up in the incident.

The operation resulted in the recovery of two injured security personnel, who were immediately evacuated to a hospital for medical treatment.

The SCID, Jos, is investigating the attack, while security agencies continue efforts to establish the identities of the assailants and track their movements.

Murder, Homicide Suspects Arrested

The security crackdown also yielded arrests in connection with violent crimes in Bauchi and Gombe states.

In Bauchi metropolis, police operatives arrested a suspect over the fatal stabbing of a 25-year-old man during a fight. The knife allegedly used to stab the victim was recovered and taken into custody as an exhibit.

In Gombe State, detectives responded to a fatal assault in Gudukku District, Nafada Local Government Area, involving a 16-year-old victim who sustained a serious head injury during a disagreement. A suspect was subsequently arrested and is assisting the police with their investigation.

Ogun Police Arrest Suspected Cultist

In Ogun State, police operatives moved in following a report of threats and an alleged cult-related attack at Kajola, Ikenne.

One suspected attacker was arrested during the police response, while other suspects reportedly fled the scene.

The police said efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

Police Probe Deadly Mob Action in Niger

Meanwhile, police operatives in Niger State have commenced an investigation into a mob action in Nasko that resulted in the deaths of two suspected thieves. The two men were allegedly attempting to dispossess an Okada rider of his motorcycle when they were attacked by a mob.

Their remains were recovered by the police and deposited at the General Hospital, Nasko.

The Force said investigations were ongoing in the affected states, with efforts being made to recover additional weapons, identify other suspects and bring those responsible for the various offences to justice.