The Nigeria Police Force has revealed that it has arrested 288 armed robbery suspects, 187 kidnap suspects, 198 homicide suspects, 59 suspects for possession of prohibited firearms, 168 suspects involved in cases of rape, defilement, and other sexual offences, 265 suspected cultists, and 1891 other suspects for various crimes within the past five weeks.
According to The PUNCH, the acting Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, made the development known on Thursday during a meeting with strategic police managers – Deputy Inspector Generals of Police, Assistant Inspector Generals of Police, and Commissioners of Police at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Also, a total of 127 firearms of different calibres, 612 assorted ammunition, and 89 stolen vehicles were recovered by the police nationwide, while 71 kidnapped victims were rescued unhurt and subsequently reunited with their families and loved ones within the same period.
The police also recovered a total number of 89 stolen vehicles in the last five weeks, while it recorded a total registration of 1,244 vehicles through the Central Motor System, out of which 234 were found to have been reported stolen on the platform.
The police high command further noted that the swift response of the CMR desk officers in conjunction with field operatives also led to the recovery of 46 stolen vehicles so far out of the total 89 vehicles recovered.
Egbetokun said, “In the past five weeks, our committed officers have demonstrated relentless determination in upholding law and order. Through meticulously planned and well-coordinated operations driven by actionable intelligence, the Nigeria Police Force has effectively disrupted multiple infamous criminal syndicates involved in organised crimes, leading to arrest of 288 armed robbery suspects, 187 kidnap suspects, 198 homicide suspects, 59 suspects for possession of prohibited firearms, 168 suspects involved in cases of rape, defilement and other sexual offences, 265 suspected cultists, and 1891 suspects for various crimes.
“A total of 127 firearms of different calibres, 612 assorted ammunition, and 89 stolen vehicles were recovered nationwide while 71 kidnapped victims were rescued unhurt and subsequently reunited with their families and loved ones within the same period of five weeks.
“In order to tackle all forms of arms-related cases in the country, we have set up an ad hoc committee tasked with the comprehensive review of firearms licensing and regulations in line with the Firearms Act and other extant laws, in the interest of public safety and general security.
“The committee’s mandate will encompass a thorough assessment of current firearms licensing procedures and regulations, with the aim of enhancing their effectiveness, transparency, and accountability. This will be done in collaboration with relevant stakeholders to ensure a holistic and well-informed review.”
