Police arrested 1,284 suspects, recovered 284 firearms, and rescued 97 kidnapped victims in 6 weeks.

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) said it apprehended 1,284 suspects, recovered 284 firearms, and rescued 97 kidnapped victims over six weeks.

This was revealed by Muyiwa Adejobi, I’mForce Public Relations Officer during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday.

According to Adejobi, the operations have led to the apprehension of 307 armed robbery suspects, 296 kidnapping suspects, 301 homicide suspects, 176 rape/defilement suspects, and 204 suspected cultists.

Additionally, the police have recovered 6,702 rounds of ammunition, and 107 vehicles, and rescued 97 kidnapped individuals.

According to Adejobi, the NPF, under the leadership of Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector-General of Police has made progress in combating various forms of crime and ensuring the safety of citizens.

“These operations included the dismantling of a notorious robbery syndicate operating in the Jos-North/Jos-South region of Plateau State.

“This group, comprising 16 members, was involved in stealing motorcycles and tricycles, posing as police officers with fake IDs to confiscate these vehicles from motorists” he stated.

In another operation, a well-known house robber who specialized in stealing money and valuables, particularly gold, was apprehended.

The police also arrested a group of metal scavengers engaged in smuggling valuables buried under refuse.

Egbetokun has commended the officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force for their dedication and swift action in these operations.

In addition to these successes, the IGP has established the Anti-Money Laundering unit at the Force Headquarters, headed by Hycenth Edozie Azuka, a Commissioner of Police to bolster the government’s fight against money laundering.

A new commander for the Inspector-General of Police Special Task Force on Petroleum and Illegal Bunkering (IGP-STFPIB) has also been appointed to address oil theft and pipeline vandalism.

“Under its current leadership, the Nigeria Police Force remained committed to its constitutional mandate of ensuring the safety and security of all citizens”, Adejobi said.

The IGP also called on the public to continue supporting and cooperating with the police to create a society with minimal crime.