The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has said personnel of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) arrested 814 suspects; rescued 107 kidnapped victims; and the recovered 166 sophisticated firearms, 1,074 ammunitions, and 41 vehicles.
The police boss made this known while addressing the monthly Police conference with strategic police managers comprising members of the Force management team, Assistant Inspectors General of Police (AIGs), Commissioners of Police (CPs), and heads of tactical units, Thursday at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.
The Police boss stated that significant strides had been recorded in the war against banditary, kidnapping and other crimes, especially in the aftermath of the launch of the Special Intervention Squad (SIS).
According to him, “During this period, the NPF has made remarkable strides in combating violent crimes. Notably, a total of 814 violent criminal suspects have been apprehended, disrupting criminal networks and bringing perpetrators to justice. Additionally, the diligent efforts of the NPF have led to the successful rescue of 107 kidnapped victims, and the recovery of 166 sophisticated firearms, 1,074 various ammunition, and 41 vehicles.”
He highlighted highlighted some of the successes to include the arrest of three notorious kidnappers in the FCT; nine others in connection to attacks on Mangu, Plateau state; rescue of kidnapped victims in the FCT, Rivers, Ekiti, and Kwara states; amongst others.
While acknowledging the efforts of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit (EOD) to calming the tension associated with explosion risks across the country, the police boss also lauded efforts of the National Cyber Crime Centre (NPF-NCCC) in clamping down on individuals and groups engaged in cyber related crimes to the tune of over N36 billion.
Similarly, Egbetokun noted that the strategic deployments of the Force during the just concluded run-off/bye elections across 26 states paid off as 14 suspects were arrested, including two public officials, for election related offences.
This is as one pistol was recovered, and a thug was lynched by members of the public; just as the arrested suspects would be handed over to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) upon conclusion of investigations in line with extant legal provisions.
Meanwhile, the IGP has urged senior officers to encourage their subordinates with the aptitude for sports to participate at the forthcoming 14th Biennial Police Games (BIPOGA), themed “OLUYOLE 2024,” set to be held in Ibadan, Oyo state, from February 24 to March 2nd, 2024.
He assured that the forthcoming Police Week/Award Ceremony would serve as an avenue to recognise officers who have exhibited bravery and dedication in upholding peace and safety.
