LAGOS – The Nigeria Police Force has reported the apprehension of at least 2,740 suspects for a range of offenses nationwide in the past month.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, stated on Tuesday night that the arrests were a result of the commitment by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, who pledged to ensure that those responsible for serious crimes in Nigeria face justice.
According to the statement, during August and September, NPF operatives detained 295 individuals for armed robbery, 186 for kidnapping, 271 for murder/homicide, and 71 for illegal possession of firearms.
Olumuyiwa also mentioned that 199 individuals were apprehended for sexual-related offenses, 143 for involvement in cultism, and 1575 suspects detained for other criminal activities.
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He further mentioned that the police recovered 185 firearms, 4087 rounds of ammunition of various calibers, and 111 vehicles. Additionally, around 129 kidnapped victims were successfully rescued.
The statement also highlighted that more recently, law enforcement operatives dismantled and arrested a gunrunning syndicate operating in the Bauchi-Plateau region.
“The suspects, known as Taimako Mato, John Danladi, Mohammed Munkail, Manasseh William, and Muhammadu Haddi, were captured with 1 PKT Machine Gun, 40 rounds of 37.2mm, and 95 rounds of 62mm cartridge ammunition.
“The syndicate’s leader, Taimako Mato, worked as a weapons instructor at a Boko Haram Camp, acquiring these illegal weapons and distributing them to other members of the group for sale to different buyers,” as stated by Olumuyiwa.
