Nigeria conducts raids in Sokoto, Edo and Delta states, arresting 24 suspects and seizing weapons and drugs

On May 17, 2026, troops of the Nigerian Army’s 8 Division Garrison raided suspected terrorist logistics sites in Sabon Birni, Sokoto State, arresting 11 individuals and recovering a locally fabricated pistol with 10 rounds of NATO ammunition and quantities of suspected hard drugs. In parallel, a joint force of army troops, police and local hunters swept criminal hideouts in Owan East, Edo State, apprehending two suspects and seizing three machetes, a spear and a mobile phone.

Earlier, on May 14‑15, the Delta State Police Command carried out separate operations across the state. A Buffalo Patrol Team raid at Eagle Square, Asaba, captured seven men and two women linked to a cult, recovering a Beretta pistol, a battle axe and a cutlass. A routine stop‑and‑search of a Lexus Jeep on the Ughelli‑Patani Road uncovered an English‑made pump‑action gun and 40 live cartridges. Police also detained presumed cult leader Christopher Ogidigbo, 28, of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity, seizing a locally made revolver pistol from him. All suspects and seized items were handed over to the relevant police units for further investigation.