Police arrest 179-armed robbery, 100 kidnapping suspects in January 2025

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) said it has apprehended 179 armed robbery and 100 kidnapping suspects in January 2025. Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Spokesperson, who disclosed this during a press briefing on Wednesday at the Force Intelligence Response Team (IRT) Headquarters in Guzape, Abuja, reaffirmed the Force’s dedication to combating crime nationwide, achieving significant breakthroughs

Adejobi noted that the operatives of the Force arrested 152 murder suspects, 34 individuals for unlawful possession of firearms, 77 rape suspects, and 110 cultists. According to him, the police also recovered 73 firearms, 310 rounds of ammunition, and 56 stolen vehicles while successfully rescuing 302 kidnapping victims nationwide.

During the press briefing, 13 suspects were paraded, alongside recovered exhibits including 61 AK-47 rifles, four single-barrel rifles, 702 rounds of ammunition, forged documents, illicit drugs, and stamps.

In Ogun State, Adejobi confirmed two suspects, Folarin Tomisin (35) and Yahya Oladimeji (23), were arrested for defrauding their employer of ₦300 million. Adejobi revealed that investigations showed the stolen funds were funnelled into gambling, which led to severe addiction.

“Both suspects have confessed to the crime and will face charges upon the conclusion of investigations”, he added. Meanwhile, on Kano Highway, officers arrested Ya’u Suleiman (20), an ex-convict involved in a robbery and kidnapping gang led by the fugitive Ibrahim Dula.

“Suleiman, who admitted to rejoining the gang after serving a previous sentence, is cooperating with police efforts to apprehend other gang members”, he disclosed.

In another development, Adejobi reported the arrest of three suspects, including Mohammed Kabir (36), a fake army captain, for impersonation and fraud. The gang used fake bank alerts to purchase medical equipment valued at ₦3.2 million.

The spokesperson noted that additional victims have come forward as investigations continue. He also noted that a motorcycle theft syndicate operating in Lagos and Ogun States was also uncovered, leading to the arrest of four suspects.

Adejobi stated that the suspects targeted farmers, using pepper spray to overpower them and that fifteen stolen motorcycles had been recovered. “Efforts to apprehend other members of the syndicate are ongoing”, he said.

He noted that in Abuja, a drug trafficking operation was disrupted with the arrest of Cliff Francis (44). Adejobi also disclosed that Francis was caught with substances suspected to be Indian hemp valued at ₦3.2 million.

“The suspect admitted to receiving the drugs from a Canadian contact for distribution in Nigeria, and the police are actively working to track down his accomplices”, he stated. Adejobi further announced the arrest of Umaru Musa (55) and Magaji Musa Ikara (48) for forging waybills and certifications to aid crude oil thieves in evading security checks.

“Numerous forged documents were recovered, and investigations are underway to identify other collaborators in the scheme”, he said.

CSP Adejobi emphasized the Nigeria Police Force’s dedication to safeguarding lives and property, assuring the public that all suspects will be prosecuted accordingly. The NPF has reiterated its unwavering resolve to protect lives and property, urging citizens to remain vigilant and collaborate with law enforcement agencies to ensure a safer and more secure Nigeria.