The Delta State Police Command, Thursday, said that in line with its primary duty, it intensified efforts in providing residents of the state with adequate security of lives and property, leading to the arrest of a total of 103 criminal suspects, from June this year till date.
The Commissioner of Police, Hafiz Mohammed Inuwa, made the disclosure during a press briefing held at the command’s headquarters in Asaba.
According to the CP, 27 suspects were arrested for armed robbery, 25 were suspected cultists, and 12 persons arrested for kidnapping.
He added that 14 persons were arrested for unlawful possession of firearms, nine arrested for arson; eight arrested for stealing/trafficking while another eight suspects were arrested for rape and defilement.
He said that some items were also recovered from the suspects including seven AK47 rifles, 142 AK47 rifles 7.62mm ammunition, three explosives (dynamite), 26 firearms, 487 live cartridges, seven motorcycles/tricycles, 4 vehicles, and six pump actions.
He said the arrested suspects were disturbing the peace of the state.
Inuwa stated the pro-active and reactive preventive mechanisms of the command yielded more positive results as many robberies and kidnapping attempts were foiled through visibility patrols and prompt response to distress calls.
He said that some hoodlums/criminals among #EndSARS protesters who participated in wanton destruction of police assets and government properties were among those arrested.
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He explained that some of those arrested have been charged to court accordingly.
Inuwa averred that the sophisticated/prohibited firearms and ammunition from suspects, vehicles robbed or stolen within and outside the state, hard drugs, and other stolen and incriminating items.
He said that the command had been confronted with the challenges of enforcing and ensuring compliance with regulations and measures put in place by the federal and state government, aimed at curbing the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and the mitigation of its impact in the state.
“The domino effect of the #EndSARS protests which was hijacked by hoodlums and turned violent had a devastating impact on the general security of life and properties.
Also, the spike in crimes and criminality associated with ember months added to the headache, he said.
“Notwithstanding the above, the enormous pressure the COVID-19 pandemic preventive measures placed on the police as the principal law enforcement agency in the country, and aftermath of EndSARS protest amid security worries, the command intensified efforts to provide security n the state,” said the CP.
He assured residents of the state of the command’s renewed commitment towards the protection of lives and property in the state while urging them to remain alert and security conscious during the season of festivities.
He also solicited their continuous support, understanding, and cooperation of members of the public in the fight against crime and criminality within the state.
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