Police arrest 1,246 suspects, recover 3,172 arms in one month

In the renewed fight against crime, the Police have recorded a breakthrough leading to the arrest of 1,246 suspects including a major arms dealer and the recovery of 31,72 associated weapons nationwide within one month.

Speaking while parading some of the arrested suspects at the Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force, Intelligence Response Team, FHQ- IRT, Abuja, the Force Public Relations (FPRO), Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi’ reaffirmed the commitment of the Force under Inspector General of Police, IGP Olukayode Egbetokun to enhance the safety and security of the country through implementation of various tactical operations, intelligence-led policing, and community engagement strategies.

According to him, “The goal of these initiatives is to establish a substantial decrease in crime rates across the country and the record of significant strides in combating several times of violent crimes such as banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery, and cybercrime.

“Since October 1st 2024, the Nigeria Police Force has recorded significant achievements in the fight against crime. These include the arrest of 371 armed robbery suspects, 186 kidnapping suspects, 242 Murder/homicide suspects, 63 suspects connected with the unlawful possession of prohibited firearms, 217 rape suspects, 167 suspected cultists and recovery of 210 various firearms, 3172 ammunition of various calibres.”

The Force Spokesperson who was flanked by the IRT Commander DCP Sanusi Mohammed further explained that the Police was able to recover 118 stolen vehicles and rescue 64 victims of kidnapping across the country during the period under review

According to him, “Turning to recent crime-fighting achievements, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have made outstanding breakthrough in the fight against several types of violent crimes across the country, one of which is the arrest of a major arms dealer operating in Plateau State.

“The suspect, identified as Jubril Musa ‘m’ was arrested with 2 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition (long), 1 makarov pistol, 1 fabricated bronny pistol, a single round of 7.8mm live ammunition, 2 rounds of g3 live ammunition, 4 rounds of 7.6mm live ammunition (short), and a single round of 9mm live ammunition.

“The suspect further confessed to supplying these various arms and ammunition to bandits and kidnappers operating in the state.”

Speaking on the members of the House of Representativeness who allegedly assaulted a citizen, he said, “in response to a case of assault on a bolt driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, by Hon. Alexander Ikwechegh, on the night of October 27 2024, the Nigeria Police Force Special Investigation Unit and the Legal Section have concluded investigations into the case and today ( Wednesday) the Police arraigned Hon. Alexander Mascot Ikwechegh on the charges of “Abuse of Office, Criminal Intimidation and Criminal Force and Assault Contrary to Sections 397(b) and 265 of the Penal Code Act at the Kuje Magistrate Court.

He stated that the IGP Egbetokun had ordered a proper investigation into the matter to ensure that justice is served and promoting human respect and dignity in Nigeria.

He said that the IGP reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, reassuring members of the public that the Force remains dedicated towards ensuring all fundamental steps are taken towards assuring justice always as no one is above the law.

Speaking on the alleged maltreatment of Recruits , he said, “Moreover, I would like to address another issue that has recently resurfaced in the form of a video circulating on social media concerning alleged maltreatment of recruits on training at various training colleges across the country. I must emphasize that this video is old and has previously been acted upon.”

The Nigeria Police Force is committed to the welfare of all its personnel and has implemented measures to ensure a supportive training environment for recruits. By revisiting and circulating outdated material, we risk distorting the public’s perception and disregarding the progress that has been made.

“We urge everyone to think critically about the information they consume and share, as well as reporters to consider the impact their words and information can have on real lives and the important work being done every day by the men of the Nigeria Police Force, as the Force remains dedicated to transparency, and accountability,” he said.

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