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Operatives of the Special Tactical Squad (STS) of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have arrested three suspects allegedly linked to the movement of explosive materials from Ghana to Nigeria, recovering about 50 kilograms of materials in Badagry, Lagos State.
The suspects were identified as Oluwasegun Godwin, 27; Ibrahim Abdullahi, 41; and Aminu Mohamed, 29; a Nigerian citizen residing in Ghana.
Parading the suspects, the STS Commander, ACP Victor Ogbeide Godfrey, said the suspects were said to have played several roles in a suspected supply chain through which explosives were smuggled into Nigeria and distributed to criminal elements in some parts of the North East, North Central and other parts of the country
It said the arrests followed an intelligence-led operation aimed at dismantling networks that supply explosives and other materials to criminal groups. Find legal help
The commander said police are focusing not only on those carrying out attacks, but also on individuals responsible for supplying weapons and explosives used by such groups.
He said Godwin would be the first suspect arrested in Badagry, near the Nigeria-Ghana border, while allegedly transporting explosive materials into the country.
The police chief reported that approximately 50 kilograms of explosives contained in 10 bags were recovered.
This is because investigators later traced the suspected supply chain to Abdullahi, who was arrested in Lagos.
“Police identified the 41-year-old as the alleged recipient of the explosives and said he was responsible for delivering the materials before arranging their movement to criminal elements in parts of the North East and North Central. Get police jobs.
“Mohamed, the third suspect, has been arrested for his alleged role in the importation of explosives from Ghana.”
Police said the 29-year-old Nigerian, resident in Ghana, was responsible for bringing the materials to Nigeria.
According to STS, Mohamed hid the explosives under the cover of the flour transport to avoid detection while crossing the border.
The commander also said that the three suspects have confessed to their alleged roles, while investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the network and identify other people linked to the operation.
He added that the suspects will be prosecuted after the conclusion of the investigation.
ACP Godfrey stressed that cutting off the supply of explosives is crucial to preventing attacks by terrorists, bandits and other criminal groups, noting that such groups are increasingly relying on explosive devices to carry out attacks.
He attributed the success of the operation to intelligence gathering and collaboration between security agencies, while acknowledging the support of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu.
The team also paraded a suspect identified as Ihoma Chimaroke, also known as “Morocco”, who was arrested for his alleged involvement in an attack on security personnel in Eze, Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State.
The commander noted that Chimaroke fled the area after the incident but was later arrested in Obudu, Cross River State, when he allegedly attempted to escape by jumping into a river.
The police chief said nine suspects linked to the wider Eze incident had been arrested, while efforts were underway to arrest two other key suspects still at large.
Two AK-49 rifles and one AK-47 rifle, among other weapons and ammunition allegedly linked to the suspects, were recovered by police officers.
ACP Godfrey said the operations had helped restore calm to the affected community, adding that security operatives would continue to pursue those who were still at large.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to expand intelligence-led operations across the country and dismantle criminal networks involved in terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes.
The commander also urged citizens to report suspicious movements, activities and individuals to security agencies, stressing that timely information from communities remains vital to prevent attacks.
The team promised to support operations to disrupt the supply of weapons and explosives to criminal groups and bring those involved in violent crimes to justice.
