Mohammed Shosanya
The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun has disclosed that operatives of the Force have arrested 10,852 criminal suspects across Nigeria in the last three months.
He also revealed that the Nigeria Police Force has successfully rescued 369 kidnapped victims, recovered 416 firearms of various makes, retrieved 178 vehicles, and seized 3,672 rounds of ammunition of different calibers.
He said there has been reduction in crime rates in key areas..
He stated this, on Tuesday, in an address at the Goodluck Jonathan Peacekeeping Hall, Force Headquarters, Abuja during a meeting with senior Police officers from the rank of Commissioners of Police above and the Force managers.
He said:”We must build on the progress we have made in addressing security concerns across our nation. Over the past few months, the force has significantly enhanced the safety and security of the country.
“Our tactical operations, intelligence-led policing, and community engagement strategies have yielded impressive results.Today’s meeting serves not only to reflect on our recent accomplishments, but also to decisively plan our next steps.
“As we continue our efforts to combat crime and criminality across Nigeria, it is imperative that we remain proactive and visionary. Our role in the country’s internal security framework is vital.
“Recent statistics indicate a substantial decrease in crime rates in key areas, including significant strides in combating violent crimes such as banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery, and cybercrime.
“From July to October this year, the Nigeria Police Force successfully rescued 369 kidnapped victims, recovered 416 firearms of various makes, retrieved 178 vehicles, and seized 3,672 rounds of ammunition of different calibers. Additionally, a total of 10,852 suspects were arrested across the country.
“On 1 October 2024, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the FCT Police Command, acting on credible intelligence, apprehended four notorious kidnappers who had been terrorizing the FCT.
“The individuals arrested were Yaw Sonu, aka Baba, an ex-convict, Nubu, aka Giwa, Kagebu Mohammed, and Yusuf Hassan. They were captured at their criminal hideouts in Sawka, Abuja.”
The items recovered from them during this operation, the IGP said included 4 AK-47 rifles, 13 AK-47 magazines, and 162 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.
The suspects were also said to have confessed during interrogation to multiple kidnappings within the FCT and surrounding states.
Their arrest was timely in thwarting another kidnapping operation which was targeted at the abduction of university students, according to the IGP.
These suspects, Egbetokun noted “are currently assisting with investigations and will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.”
He further stressed that:”Our officers have demonstrated unwavering dedication and exceptional courage, focus and professionalism in their duties.
“These achievements are commendable. Yet, they serve as a reminder that our mission to ensure the safety of Nigerians is ongoing and paramount.
“Today, we convene to collaboratively review our performance and statistical and innotional events since our last meeting in July.
“Our agenda is to pinpoint upcoming challenges and craft empirically-based solutions, particularly focusing on the state-of-the-state election and various local government elections across the country.
“I want to express my deep appreciation for your unwavering dedication to maintaining law and order throughout our nation, ” he said.
