…holds Strategic end of year conference in Abuja
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, on Tuesday, disclosed that the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has recorded a total of 30,313 arrests, and recovered 1,984 firearms, and 23,250 ammunition in 2024.
Egbetokun revealed this at a strategic meeting held at the Force Headquarters with top police officers of the NPF.
According to him, the meeting, which took place at the Goodluck Ebele Peacekeeping Hall, served as a platform for reviewing the achievements of the Force in the year 2024.
He added that the meeting also outlined strategic plans for innovation and adaptability as the Force gears up for the challenges of 2025.
Egbetokun acknowledged the hard work and dedication displayed by police officers throughout the year, particularly the significant accomplishments in crime reduction and community engagement, specifically noting the importance of collaborative efforts in fostering trust between the police and the public.
He said: “In the year under review, the Nigeria Police Force recorded major successes in tackling crime, leading to the arrest of 30,313 suspects for various heinous offences, the recovery of 1,984 assorted firearms, 23,250 rounds of ammunition of varying calibres, and the rescue of 1,581 kidnapped victims.”
The NPF boss added that the Force is set to embrace a forward-thinking approach in 2025, focusing on innovation and technological advancement to strengthen its operational strategies.
He also noted that the Force aims to learn from past experiences and adapt to emerging challenges, ensuring a proactive and efficient approach to crime prevention and investigation.
Egbetokun said: “The Force will prioritize innovation in technology and operational strategies in 2025, learning from experiences and adapting as we move on. The IGP also encouraged senior officers to embrace modern tools and progressive practices that enhance the Force’s effectiveness in crime prevention and investigation.
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“As the nation approaches the festive season, the Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of IGP Egbetokun, is poised to implement the necessary measures to ensure a peaceful and secure environment for all citizens.
“The IGP reiterates the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the public, ensuring safety, and fostering a culture of accountability”.
Reflecting on 2024, the IGP said it is clear that both the Nigeria Police Force and the country at large faced a range of security challenges, adding that: “but we also achieved notable successes. We dealt with a variety of internal threats, such as banditry, insurgency, kidnapping, and armed robbery, as well as external threats posed by groups like ISWAP and the Lakurawa terrorists, primarily in the North West region.
“The country also confronted other critical issues, including cultism, drug trafficking, arms trafficking, terrorism financing, money laundering, and cybercrimes, especially among our youth. Protests and civil unrest added to the challenges. However, despite these difficulties, the Nigeria Police Force has shown remarkable resilience, collaborating with sister agencies to ensure law and order. We have reaffirmed our commitment to addressing these threats and safeguarding the well-being of all Nigerians.
“Throughout 2024, we made substantial strides in enhancing the safety and security of Nigerians. Our officers displayed remarkable dedication in combating criminal activities across urban and rural areas. Through revitalized crime prevention efforts, we have made significant progress in reducing crime, ensuring public safety, and improving service delivery. These accomplishments reflect our firm commitment to holding perpetrators accountable for their crimes”.
Egbetokun said the National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) made considerable strides in cybercrime enforcement.
He said detectives uncovered a major fraud operation, recovering N3.9 billion and arresting individuals linked to a multi-bank scam.
Also, the NPF boss said in November, a coordinated raid led to the capture of 130 suspects, including 113 foreign nationals, involved in global cybercrime operations.