Police crack down on criminals , arrest 1,300 suspects in 5-week operation
In a concerted effort to combat escalating violent crime nationwide, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has reported significant gains with the arrest of 1,346 suspects across various criminal activities over the past five weeks.
Under the strategic guidance of Inspector General Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun Ph.D., NPM, the NPF has intensified its mission to deter criminal elements and bolster public safety.
The latest statistics reveal a targeted crackdown resulting in the capture of 385 armed robbery suspects, 238 kidnapping suspects, 341 murder/homicide suspects, 87 individuals linked to unlawful firearms possession, 143 rape suspects, and 151 individuals associated with cultism. Additionally, law enforcement efforts led to the recovery of 143 firearms, 741 rounds of ammunition, and 72 stolen vehicles. Furthermore, 461 kidnapped victims were successfully rescued during these operations.
One of the notable operations unfolded on March 4th, 2024, when a specialized task force raided an arms manufacturing hideout in Amahundu, Benue State. Nine suspects, including a Cameroonian national, were apprehended, and a cache of firearms and manufacturing equipment was seized, underscoring law enforcement’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks.
In another breakthrough, the FCT Command apprehended Samaila Wakili Fafa, alias Habu Ibrahim, a notorious kidnap kingpin operating in the Sardauna area. The suspect, wanted for several high-profile crimes, including the killings of legal aide Barrister Chris Agidy and village head Sunday Yahaya Zakwai, provided crucial information leading to the recovery of human remains, providing closure to families affected by his reign of terror.
Beyond operational successes, the NPF is prioritizing officer welfare, recognizing its direct impact on service delivery and crime prevention. Efforts include the swift disbursement of insurance benefits totaling 7.2 billion Naira to families of fallen officers, upcoming awards ceremonies, and a housing summit focused on addressing officers’ accommodation needs.
Inspector General Egbetokun emphasized the importance of community engagement in enhancing security. He urged landlords and employers in the Federal Capital Territory to collaborate with local police stations to profile potential employees and tenants, underscoring the NPF’s commitment to proactive crime prevention.
The recent achievements underscore the NPF’s resolve to curb crime and enhance public safety, reflecting a multifaceted approach underpinned by robust law enforcement strategies and enhanced officer support.
