See How Police Arrest 35,496 Suspects, Recover 2,750 Firearms, Secure 16,200 Convictions in One Year
By Ikechukwu Aleke in Abuja
The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) announced the arrest of 35,496 suspects over the past year, alongside the rescue of 1,907 kidnapped victims, recovery of 2,750 firearms, 22,569 rounds of ammunition, and 1,540 vehicles. Additionally, the legal and prosecutions section successfully handled 29,052 criminal cases, securing 16,200 convictions.
Inspector General of Police Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun disclosed these achievements during the IGP’s Conference with Strategic Police Managers at the Force Headquarters in Abuja. Egbetokun attributed the force’s success to teamwork, integrity, and a shared vision for a safer community. He noted significant crime statistics, including 814 terrorism/secessionist attacks, 2,308 murders, 856 armed robberies, 1,453 kidnappings, and 1,429 other cases.
Egbetokun highlighted that 33,867 officers were promoted based on merit and competence, emphasizing the force’s commitment to fairness and excellence. He praised the Special Intervention Squad (SIS) for dismantling criminal gangs involved in banditry, kidnapping, and armed robbery.
Egbetokun expressed concern about non-state combatants acquiring advanced weaponry and digital capabilities. He stated, “Through various operations, we have arrested numerous suspects, recovered weapons including GPMGs, and seized large quantities of ammunition. We have also confiscated Radio Frequency jamming equipment and anti-drone devices used by bandits. Many kidnapped victims have been rescued, and several bank robbery and kidnapping attempts, including those targeting school students in the FCT, Niger, Kaduna, and Ogun States, have been foiled. Notably, 1,100 registered SIM cards were recovered from a notorious gang operating in the FCT and neighboring states.”
Egbetokun affirmed that the police ensure justice for fallen officers by tracking down and prosecuting their killers. He also mentioned strides made by the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) in securing the national cyberspace, including successful operations with international partners like the FBI, INTERPOL, EUROPOL, British NCA, and South Korean Police. Recent cybercrime efforts led to the recovery of a substantial portion of stolen funds and the arrest of one of the world’s top 10 cybercriminals, resulting in eight convictions.
He acknowledged the Special Task Force on Petroleum and Illegal Bunkering (STFPIB) for arresting suspects and recovering adulterated AGO and stolen crude oil. The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD-CBRN) unit has rendered numerous IEDs safe, enabling community reintegration.
Egbetokun also highlighted the recent disbursement of ₦9.85 billion to families of deceased officers under the Group Life Assurance Scheme and the IGP Family Welfare Scheme. He announced plans to establish the Nigeria Police Insurance Company and discussed ongoing infrastructure developments, including the upcoming commissioning of various police facilities and newly acquired operational assets.
In conclusion, Egbetokun emphasized the police’s strategy to support the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in ensuring smooth gubernatorial elections in Edo and Ondo States later this year.
