By Adedeji Ademuyiwa
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has in the last six weeks arrested a total of 1,284 criminal suspects and recovered 284 firearms.
During the period under review, according to the Force spokesman, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, who gave the breakdown, 97 kidnapped victims were rescued, 307 arrested for robbery, 296 for kidnapping, 301 for Homicide, 176 for rape/defilement; and 204 for cultistism.
Also, according to Adejobi, 284 firearms, 6, 702 ammunition of various calibers and 107 vehicles were recovered during the period.
Among the armed robbery suspects was a 16-man gang, operating in the Jos-North/Jos South region of Plateau State, nine of whom specialized in stealing motorcycles and tricycles around Jos Metro.
Adejobi said the nine suspects paraded themselves as police officers, flaunting fake identity cards to illegally confiscate motorcycles and tricycles from motorists.
Their busting, he said, had put an end to their streak of nefarious activities.
Also arrested was a notorious robber, who specialized in house breaking and carting away money and valuables, particularly gold, as well as a group of metal scavengers who smuggled valuables buried under refuse.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun has, however, commended officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force, by recognizing their dedication and celerity in the execution of their duty.
“To further support the government in the fight against money laundering, the IGP has also established the Anti-Money Laundering Unit at the Force Headquarters, headed by CP Hycenth Edozie Azuka, the Force image maker disclosed, adding that, “This development is also accompanied by the appointment of a new commander for the IGP-STFPIB, aimed at tackling oil theft and pipeline vandalism”.
Speaking further, the FPRO noted 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
Consequently, according to him, the IGP has reasserted his dedication to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens, while urging citizens to give their maximum cooperation and support, in order to have a society where crime is at its barest minimum.
