Nine kidnappers have been arrested in Lagos State, while three victims were rescued by a joint team of mobile policemen and officers from Maroko Division.
The team, led by the Commander, Police Mobile Force 20, Ikeja, Lagos, had stormed a suspected kidnappers’ den at about 10:30pm on Sunday, March 17, 2024, where they also recovered 10 mobile phones and two Point Of Sale (POS) machines.
Confirming this in a statement on Friday, March 22, the Force spokesman, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said that the arrest followed the resolve of the Nigeria Police Force to reduce crime to the barest minimum and the determination of operatives to sustain the fight against crime and criminality.
Earlier, on March 16, a suspected leader of a cult gang identified as Abass Taiwo Hassan was arrested by police operatives of the Divisional Headquarters, Lagos.
Hassan was said to have been involved in the shooting of one Adeniyi Adebanjo on February 26, to which he confessed during interrogation.
The suspect also admitted being the leader of a six-man cult gang.
Again, on March 15, at about 9pm, a surveillance team attached to Sabon Tasha Divisional Headquarters, Kaduna State, heard gunshots from Kapam community and promptly went to investigate.
“Upon arrival, they encountered a group of armed bandits and engaged them in a gun duel. The bandits yielded to the superiority of the operatives and fled while surrendering four persons they had abducted from their homes.
“Furthermore, on the 20th of March 2024, at about 7:30pm, the police surveillance team of the Elimgbu Divisional Headquarters, Port-Harcourt, while on routine patrol at the oil mill market, encountered and arrested three armed robbery suspects identified as Saviour Walson, aged 49; Ifeanyi Aaron 35; and Chisom Kenneth, 24.
“A tricycle, one locally-made pistol and two live cartridges were recovered from the suspects, and upon interrogation, they confessed to carrying out their robbery operations within the oil market and its environs, using the tricycle to convey unsuspecting passengers and then using the weapon to rob them of their valuables,” the Force PRO disclosed.
ACP Adejobi stated further that the Inspector General of Police, Dr Kayode Egbetokun, who was fully aware of the security challenges bedevilling the nation, made a clear declaration that the NPF would be the beacon of hope in times of despair.
The IGP added that the police force would also work effectively to foster an environment where safety and justice are not mere illusions but the foundations upon which the nation would thrive.
He advised all to remain vigilant and work together with the police to bring the realization of safety and security yearned for.
