Yemi Obafemi
The Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, on Thursday said in the last eight weeks the police has recorded 214 cases of kidnapping while 401 kidnap victims were rescued.
Fielding questions from journalists at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, Louis Edet House, Abuja, Inspector General revealed that it also recorded 141 cases of terrorism attacks, 537 cases of murder, 126 cases of armed robbery, 214 cases of kidnapping, and 39 cases of unlawful possession of firearms.
He said, “I am pleased to report a substantial advancement, propelled by the execution of diverse strategies aimed at mitigating the escalating trend of criminal activities across the nation after our last conference held on February 8, 2024.
“In the past eight weeks, we recorded 141 cases of terrorism/secessionist attacks, 537 cases of murder, 126 cases of armed robbery, 214 cases of kidnapping, and 39 cases of unlawful possession of firearms.
“Also, during the period under review, the Nigeria Police Force arrested 3,685 suspects for their participation in various crimes, 401 kidnap victims were rescued, 216 various firearms, 3,601 ammunition and 82 vehicles were recovered.
“We have in the last nine months cumulatively presented cheques totalling N7,263,391,051.73 to 2,5143 families of deceased police officers.”
The IG said the police would continue to disrupt criminal activities and their illicit networks.
He said, “Our responses to the current internal security threats require strategic deployments that are not only proactive but also technology and intelligence-driven.
“Through meticulous analysis of available information, we shall endeavour to pre-empt criminal activities, disrupt their illicit networks, and apprehend perpetrators swiftly. It is essential that we remain vigilant and adaptive in our approach, continuously refining our strategies to stay ahead of evolving threats.”
