•814 suspected criminals arrested, 107 kidnap victims rescued
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, on Thursday, February 8, highlighted significant milestones attained by the Nigeria Police Force in the past seven weeks, demonstrating a relentless commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens.
He gave the highlight at the monthly Police Conference with Strategic Police Managers comprising members of the Force Management Team, Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, Commissioners of Police and Heads of Tactical Units.
In a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police chief said that during the seven weeks, the police force made remarkable strides in combating violent crimes.
Part of the achievements was the arrest of a total of 814 violent criminal suspects said to have been disrupting criminal networks.
In addition, the diligent efforts of the NPF led to the successful rescue of 107 kidnapped victims, as well as recovery of 166 sophisticated firearms, 1,074 various ammunition and 41 vehicles.
The IGP enumerated some other successes to include the arrest of three notorious kidnappers in the FCT, nine suspects in connection with the attacks on Mangu, Plateau State, rescue of kidnap victims in the FCT, Rivers, Ekiti, and Kwara States, among others.
Furthermore, the IGP acknowledged the efforts of the NPF Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit (EOD) to calming the tension associated with explosion risks in prone areas across the country.
He also commended the 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.
The IGP similarly noted that the strategic deployments of the NPF during the just concluded run-off/bye elections across 26 states of the Federation paid off, as 14 suspects were arrested, including two public officials for election related offences.
A pistol was recovered, with a thug lynched by members of the public.
He stated that the arrested suspects would be handed over to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) upon conclusion of investigations in line with extant legal provisions.
Also, the IGP 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 24t to March 2, 2024.
He equally 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.
The Inspector General of Police expressed the resoluteness of the NPF in its mission to foster a safe and secure environment conducive for national development.
