Police arrest 239 criminals, recover weapons in Kogi

In an effort to rid Kogi State of criminals, kidnappers, and other illegal activities, the Police Command has arrested 239 criminals operating in the state with dangerous weapons.

The Kogi State Commissioner of Police, CP Miller Dantawaye, disclosed this on Tuesday while addressing newsmen on the Command’s efforts to tackle criminal activities in the state.

According to him, out of this number, 66 suspected armed robbers were arrested, 75 suspected kidnappers were apprehended, and 18 suspects were arrested for homicide.

Additionally, 21 suspects were arrested for unlawful possession of firearms, 21 for rape, six for cultism, while 49 others were arrested for involvement in various heinous crimes across the state.

Exhibits recovered include five AK-47 rifles, two AK-49 rifles, nine magazines, 344 rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition, 62 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, and two rounds of 7.62x59mm ammunition.

Other weapons recovered were one locally made revolver barrel gun, one black pump-action magazine, nine expended AK ammunition, seven expended cartridges, two pump-action guns, and two locally made pistols.

ALSO READ: Police arrest two high-profile suspects for cybercrime, investment fraud

The Commissioner further mentioned that to ensure the fight against kidnapping, armed banditry, and other violent crimes in the state remains effective, the Command has commenced training its personnel to enhance their mental and operational capacity for better and more efficient service delivery.

“Participants of Course 7 in the ongoing Refresher Combat Operation Training Exercise graduated last Friday. We have also adopted comprehensive crime prevention and control strategies in recent times through intensive patrols along major highways, raids of identified criminal hideouts, black spots, and flashpoints, as well as aggressive stop-and-search operations. There has also been a massive deployment of well-trained, equipped, and motivated officers dedicated to ridding Kogi State of all forms of crime and criminality.

“The Command continues to adopt problem-solving strategies embedded in the IGP’s community policing template, which will help improve public confidence in our service delivery.

“The Command has also created avenues for effective collaboration with critical stakeholders, giving them access to share information and intelligence that will assist in crime control and management.

“I therefore urge all Kogites, particularly traditional rulers, religious leaders, opinion leaders, youth groups, market associations, farmers, herders, vigilantes, hunters, transport unions, Okada unions, tricycle unions, and others, to give their maximum support in the fight against criminality in Kogi State. I appeal for their cooperation and understanding in the interest of public safety.”

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE