…rescue 369 kidnapped victims, recovered 416 firearms
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olukayode Egbetokun, on Tuesday, October 15, disclosed that the Force has arrested 10,852 suspects across the country between July and October this year.
The arrests, Egbetokun, said were carried out through tactical operations, intelligence-led policing, and community engagement strategies.
The IGP revealed this at the quarter conference with the strategic managers of the Nigeria Police Force.
The aim, Egbetokun said is to review performance and significant national events since their last meeting in July.
He said the agenda is also to pinpoint upcoming challenges and craft empirically-based solutions, particularly focusing on the Ondo State off-circle elections and various local government elections across the country.
IGP noted that recent statistics indicate a substantial decrease in crime rates in key areas, including significant strides in combating violent crimes such as banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery, and cybercrime.
He said the Nigeria Police Force has successfully rescued 369 kidnapped victims, recovered 416 firearms of various makes, retrieved 178 vehicles, and seized 3,672 rounds of ammunition of different calibres.
Giving successful operational updates from State Commands, IGP Egbetokun said on 1 October 2024, the anti-kidnapping unit of the FCT Police Command, acting on credible intelligence, apprehended four notorious kidnappers who had been terrorizing the FCT.
The police boss said: “The individuals arrested were Yawu Sonu, a.k.a. Baba, an ex-convict, Nubu, a.k.a. Giwa, Kaperu Muhammad, and Yusuf Hassan. They were captured at their criminal hideouts in Sauka, Abuja. The items recovered from them during this operation included 4 AK-47 rifles, 13 AK-47 magazines, and 162 rounds of 7.62mm light ammunition.
“The suspects confessed during interrogation to multiple kidnappings within the FCT and surrounding states”.
Their arrest, he said was timely in thwarting another kidnapping operation which was targeted at the abduction of university students.
Egbetokun said the suspects are currently assisting with investigations and will be prosecuted by the law.
He said: “On 2 September 2024, police operatives attached to the Ebumege Division, acting on credible intelligence, trailed a suspicious vehicle to DSE Runabout in Waring.
“Upon noticing the police presence, the occupants opened fire and subsequently fled into the crowd, abandoning their vehicle. A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 4 AK-47 rifles. Renforce Force are currently underway to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
“In Niger State Command on 4 August 2024, members of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit from the State Criminal Investigation Department in Mina, Niger State, intercepted a Toyota Corolla carrying three male occupants. Upon the arrival of the police, the individuals immediately fled, abandoning their vehicle. A total search revealed 15 automatic pump-action rifles and 30 cartridges hidden within a sack in the vehicle. Intensive efforts are being made to identify and locate the owner of the vehicle.
“In Kaduna State Command on 19 September 2024, officers from the Buruku Division intercepted a black Golf III saloon vehicle during a routine patrol at Buruku Bridge. A search of the vehicle revealed 20 locally fabricated AK-47 rifles and an empty Type 06 magazine hidden in the boot.
“The driver, identified as Bitrous Giang from Barikin Ladi in Plateau State, confessed during interrogation to being a gun owner supplying arms and ammunition to bandits. He is currently cooperating with the police and efforts are being made to locate the manufacturers of these recovered arms.
“Similarly, on 2 September 2024, following credible intelligence about suspicious bandit activities in Kaduna, police operatives set an ambush at a local motorpark. A search during the operation led to the recovery of four locally fabricated AK-47 rifles hidden within a consignment. The next morning, six suspects were arrested in connection with the delivery. Those apprehended were Lawal Muritala, Isa Kabiru, Awa Surajo, Kamala Lawal, Umar Adamu, and Kabiru Lima.
“Items recovered from the suspects include four fabricated AK-47 rifles, two English pistols, two pump-action guns, 24 cartridges, 29 rounds of live ammunition of various calibres, a large assortment of charms, one walkie-talkie, one axe, one cash totalling N908,600 Naira.
“Between July 2024 and August 22, 2024, the Enugu State Police Command made substantial progress in common crime, resulting in the arrest of 133 suspects and the rescue of 19 kidnapped or abducted victims. Many of the arrested suspects have been prosecuted and are currently held in custodial centres.
“The successful operation led to the recovery of 15 AK-47 rifles, 25 pump-action guns, and 35 firearms of various calibres. Additionally, a total of 710 live ammunition of different calibres and 187 live cartridges were seized during this period.
“Kastina State Command: In response to reports of banditry, operatives of the Kastina Police Command conducted a raid on a suspected bandit hideout located between Dusima and Safana Local Government Areas on August 21, 2024.
“The operation successfully rescued seven hostages who had been kidnapped from two villages in Dusima Local Government Area. The police also recovered one AK-47 rifle during this raid. Similarly, on the same date, operatives from the Jibia Police Division responded to a distress call regarding kidnapper activities in the area.
“The team swiftly mobilized to the scene and engaged the criminals in a fierce gun battle. Their prompt and courageous action successfully thwarted three kidnapping attempts and led to the rescue of three victims. Furthermore, on August 20, 2024, the Manu Fashi Division Ahekutas received a distress call reporting that armed bandits had kidnapped 20 individuals and lost 25 cows.
“Officers from Manu Fashi Division quickly responded, intercepting the bandits on the outskirts of the village as they attempted to escape with the hostages.
“The police engaged in a gunfight with the bandits, successfully rescuing 30 kidnapped victims and recovering all the lost animals”.
The IGP affirmed that officers have demonstrated unwavering dedication and exceptional courage, focus, and professionalism in their duties.
He said these achievements are commendable yet, they serve as a reminder that: “our mission to ensure the safety of Nigerians is ongoing and paramount.
“We must continue to evolve, adapt, and strengthen our strategies to uphold our commitment to public safety.”
