ABUJA- In a determined effort to combat crime and ensure the safety of citizens, the Nigeria Police Force has announced significant achievements in its recent operations. Over the past two weeks, law enforcement agencies have arrested 254 suspects, rescued 35 victims, and recovered 44 arms along with 477 rounds of ammunition nationwide.
The arrests included 92 armed robbers, 153 kidnappers, and 9 suspected cultists. Notable among the operations was the apprehension of a syndicate of trans-border gunrunners in Plateau state, leading to the recovery of 2 AK-47 rifles, 9 automatic pistols, and 1,800 rounds of live ammunition. Additionally, a factory in Kuru, Jos, Plateau state where rifles were fabricated was uncovered.
In a daring operation by the FID-IRT (Force Intelligence Bureau-Intelligence Response Team), operatives acting on active intelligence concerning a syndicate of trans-border gunrunners operating in Plateau state, successfully arrested ten suspects. Among them was a notorious trans-border arms and ammunition supplier based in Obudu LGA of Cross River State. This individual had been supplying AK47 rifles, ammunition, and rocket launchers to rebels and other criminal elements in neighboring countries. Furthermore, a factory in Kuru, Jos, Plateau state where rifles were fabricated was also discovered during the operation. A total of 2 AK-47 rifles, 9 automatic pistols, and 1,800 rounds of live ammunition were recovered, significantly disrupting the activities of the gunrunning syndicate.
Similarly, in Taraba State, operatives received intelligence about a group suspected to be involved in arms dealing and kidnapping in Sutai, Bali LGA. Following intensive investigation and surveillance, law enforcement officers apprehended two suspects involved in the illicit activities. Subsequent interrogation revealed that one of the suspects had been in possession of 12 AK-47 rifles about two years ago. However, he was intercepted by police operatives while returning from an operation and had managed to escape with just 2 AK-47 rifles. The other suspect confessed to being in possession of a single AK-47 rifle and also belonging to a syndicate that specializes in gunrunning and cattle rustling. The successful operation not only led to the arrest of the suspects but also resulted in the recovery of several AK-47 rifles, further disrupting the activities of criminal elements in the region.
Meanwhile, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), operatives of the FCT Special Intervention Squad made a significant breakthrough by apprehending a suspect from Audi village. The suspect, upon interrogation, admitted to being a member of a notorious kidnapping gang consisting of over 20 members and their informant. He confessed to participating in two high-profile kidnapping operations, holding victims captive for 21 days, and collecting a ransom of 1.1 million naira. Furthermore, he disclosed that he owned an AK-47 rifle, which he had acquired for 300,000 naira. The remaining balance for the weapon was paid by the gang leader, indicating the sophisticated nature of their operations. The suspect also confessed to the gruesome murder of Ardo Shaibu and his family, eliminating his lineage from Dorayi village, Kaduna State.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, reiterated the force's commitment to ensuring a safer society for all Nigerians, affirming that necessary measures and strategies are being implemented to achieve this goal.
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