Police Arrest 1,284 Suspects, Rescue 97 Kidnapped Victims In Six Weeks
By Anne Osemekeh, Abuja
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) says it has attested 1,284 criminal suspects, recovered 284 firearms and rescued 97 kidnap victims in the kat six weeks.
The Police Force PRO, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed this on Friday at a press briefing with journalists held at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
A breakdown of the arrested suspects reveals that 397 of them were suspected armed robbers, 296 were kidnapping suspects, 301 were homicide suspects, 176 were rape/defilement suspects and 202 were suspected cultists.
Also, 284 firearms, 6702 ammunition of various calibres, and 107 vehicles were recovered.
Adejobi further revealed that operatives of the Force in the course of its operations apprehended a notorious robbery syndicate operating in the Jos-North/Jos South region of Plateau State, putting an end to their streak of nefarious activities.
According to him, the syndicate has 16 members, 9 of whom are involved in stealing motorcycles and tricycles around Jos Metro, parading themselves as police officers using fake IDs and illegally confiscating motorcycles and tricycles from motorists.
Other cases, he said, include the arrest of a notorious robber specialized in robbing houses and making away with money and valuables, particularly gold, and the arrest of a group of metal scavengers who smuggle valuables buried under refuse.
The Force PRO said that the the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, commended the officers and men of the Force, recognizing their dedication and celerity in the execution of their duty.
The Police Chief, Adejobi said, has also established the Anti-Money Laundering unit at the Force Headquarters, to be headed by CP Hycenth Edozie Azuka. This, he said, is to further support the government in the fight against money laundering.
“This development is also accompanied by the appointment of a new commander for the IGP-STFPIB, aimed at tackling oil theft and pipeline vandalism”, the PRO stated.
He averred that the Nigeria Police Force under the present leadership has been committed to executing its statutory mandate as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. To this end, the Inspector-General of Police has reasserted his dedication to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens.
“We urge citizens to give their maximum cooperation and support, in order to have a society where crime is at its barest minimum”, Adejobi said.
