By Mohammed Bello Doka
In a press release signed by ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, MNIPR, MIPRA, FCAI, the Force Public Relations Officer at Force Headquarters, Abuja, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) highlighted its recent successes in combating crime across the nation. Enhanced tactical deployments and collaborative efforts have led to the arrest of seventy-two (72) suspects, including individuals involved in kidnapping, and the rescue of numerous victims.
One notable operation led to the arrest of four members of the Eiye confraternity in Edo State, who confessed to involvement in killings and cult activities. Identified as Edosa Obasuyi, Abumere Endurance, Monday Otubu, and Esther Abumere, the suspects were apprehended in the Ekpoma area of Edo State by operatives from FID-IRT. During the operation, the police recovered two (2) pump-action guns, numerous voter cards belonging to different individuals, nineteen (19) live cartridges, four (4) expended cartridges, one wooden carved gun, illicit drugs, charms, and their cell phones from their residences. The suspects admitted to their membership in the Eiye confraternity and confessed to their involvement in the killings and cult activities in the region. They further revealed that the killings were part of the ongoing rivalry between Eiye and Maphite confraternities. Efforts are currently underway to apprehend more fleeing members of the group and bring the area under the law.
Similarly, on January 27, 2024, operatives of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) apprehended one Bello Umar, a 28-year-old Fulani man from Tsafe LGA, Zamfara State, suspected of being a kidnapper. Along with approximately ten other gang members, Umar confessed their involvement in numerous kidnappings along the Abuja-Kaduna expressway, with their base located in the Rigina Forest in Kaduna State. Umar admitted to receiving ransom amounts ranging from ₦100 million to ₦40 million. Upon his arrest, ₦2.2 million, his share from a recent ransom collection, was recovered.
In another operation, following a threat to Kwarra Village under Shiriro LGA of Niger State, operatives swung into action and successfully arrested one Lawal Mohammed aged 22. Mohammed had threatened to attack the village unless 4 million Naira was paid to him. Upon arrest and consequent investigation, it was revealed that Mohammed had once escaped from police custody before his arrest. He confessed that he had given out the number of his uncle, who happened to be the village head, to the kidnappers to obtain money from the proceeds.
Additionally, operatives of the FID-STS intercepted the movement of military accoutrements from Kaduna to Zamfara state, precisely Shinkafi LGA. In the process, a spot search was conducted, and the following items were recovered; 10 sets of military camouflage uniforms, 10 pieces of camel pack, 12 military hats, 3 cardigans, 3 t-shirts, 2 belts, and 3 anklets. Two suspects - Mushiri Abubakar aged 28, and Ahmed Mohammed aged 40 - were arrested. Mushiri Abubakar confessed that he is a childhood friend of an Airforce personnel attached to the Airforce base in Kaduna state who served for only five years before being court marshalled and introduced the idea of selling military accoutrements to Mushiri Abubakar. Further investigation revealed that the same Mushiri Abubakar had supplied military materials to the notorious Bello Turji.
The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, emphasized the force's unwavering commitment to public safety and security, reaffirming the NPF's dedication to combating crime and restoring peace to troubled regions.
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