The acting Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olukayode Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM says the force has arrested a total of 3,056 various crime suspects in the past five weeks.
IGP Egbetokun disclosed this on Thursday during a strategic meeting with DIGs, AIGs, and Command CPs at the Force Headquarters in Abuja while also reeling out the achievements of the force in the weeks under review.
He said the feat was achieved through meticulously planned and well-coordinated operations driven by actionable intelligence by committed officers who have demonstrated relentless determination in upholding law and order.
According to him, the operations led to the disruption of multiple infamous criminal syndicates involved in organized crimes.
The police boss gave a breakdown of the various crime suspects.
“Arrest of 288 armed robbery suspects, 187 kidnap suspects, 198 homicide suspects, 59 suspects for possession of prohibited firearms, 168 suspects involved in cases of rape, defilement, and other sexual offences, 265 suspected cultists, and 1891 suspects for various crimes.
“A total of 127 firearms of different calibres, 612 assorted ammunition, and 89 stolen vehicles were recovered nationwide while 71 kidnapped victims were rescued unhurt and subsequently reunited with their families and loved ones within the same period of five (5) weeks.”
On the issue of firearms, the IGP said “In order to tackle all forms of arms-related cases in the country, we have set up an ad hoc committee tasked with the comprehensive review of firearms licensing and regulations in line with the Firearms Act and other extant laws, in the interest of
public safety and general security.
“The committee’s mandate will
encompass a thorough assessment of current firearms licensing procedures and regulations, with the aim of enhancing their effectiveness, transparency, and accountability. This will be done in collaboration with relevant stakeholders to ensure a holistic and well-informed review.
“On this note, all individuals involved in the wrongful possession of arms and light weapons are hereby warned to submit such illegally possessed weapons to police at the police stations nearest to them. This will attract no sanction.
“All State Commissioners of Police and supervising Assistant Inspectors-
General of Police in charge of Zonal Commands, as well as Tactical Commanders are by this announcement mandated to immediately commence a total clampdown on the illegal fabrication, sales, possession, and use of prohibited firearms in the country. All Nigerians are hereby urged to report all suspicious firearms-related activities to their local police stations. They can also report through the various NPF social media platforms for prompt response and action.”
Speaking on certain developments in some states, he said, “In light of recent distressing events, we must not forget the abductions of eight (8) National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in Zamfara state. The safety and well-being of all our citizens, particularly our young NYSC members, remain of utmost importance to us.
“We are firm in our commitment to intensify our efforts at ensuring the safe rescue of these abducted Corp members and all others still in captivity of criminal gangs in any part of the country.
“Currently, we are actively engaged in the sharing and analysing intelligence gathered thus far, while also exploring collaborative efforts with security agencies to secure the unconditional release of these individuals as swiftly as possible without harm.
“It is imperative to note that rescue operations generally demand a careful, tactical, and deliberate approach, conducted with the utmost caution to avoid unintended harm to the victims.
On beheaded DPO, Egbetokun said, “The tragic killing of a Divisional Police Officer, SP Bako Angbashim, in Rivers State is another event which serves as a stark reminder of the multi-dimensional challenges we face in maintaining security and order across our nation.
“We have mobilized efforts to ensure the perpetrators of the mindless killing of SP Bako Angbashim are brought to swift justice while we sound a note of serious warning to those who have a penchant for killing our officers to desist.
“The slain officer was known for his courageous exploits against vicious criminal elements terrorizing the communities where he served. His gruesome murder and subsequent mutilation of his body are unacceptable to us.
“The perpetrators of this heinous crime have murdered sleep and they obviously will sleep no more.
“They will be hunted down with all resources at our disposal. Never again shall we be ordinary in our response to the killing of our Officers. These murderers will pay dearly for their callous acts.
“In Kano, we recorded the evacuation of large quantities of fake and expired drugs on 22nd August 2023, discovered in two different warehouses located at Mallam Kato Market. Those who engage in the illicit business of trading in expired and substandard drugs are as callous as those who kill innocent citizens in our country.
“We will from now on, intensify our collaboration with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in ensuring that these group of criminals are no longer given space to operate in our communities.
“Similarly in Lagos State Police Command, proactive intelligence-based operations have significantly contributed to maintaining law and order in the state.
“This has led to the arrest of 66 suspects engaged in varying crimes including armed robbery, unlawful possession of arms, impersonation, cultism, murder and the recovery of 14 firearms including two AK47 rifles, one of them locally fabricated; 2 locally fabricated toy guns; 15 live cartridges; 4 expended cartridges; 25 live ammunition; 34 bags of weed suspected to be Indian hemp; 6 vehicles; 2 bags containing fake US Dollars, fake Pound Sterling note; and 66 kegs of fake Total engine oil.
“FCT Police Command in the past five (5) weeks have recorded the arrest of 948 suspects for various violent crimes, and the recovery of various sophisticated arms and ammunition of different calibres, as well as stolen vehicles. 903 of the arrested suspects were charged to court where 876 were convicted.
“This demonstrates the dedication and effectiveness of the Nigeria Police across various states in Nigeria in responding to criminal activities and ensuring the safety and security of the public.”
