Xmas: IG Calls for Synergy of Security Forces, as Police Arrest 953 Suspected Kidnappers, Robbers in 10 Weeks

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

Ahead of this year’s Christmas celebrations, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has called for the synergy of security forces to contain criminalities.
This came as police operatives arrested 375 suspects and rescued 134 kidnap victims in the last 10 weeks.
The IG spoke at the last meeting of the year with Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs), Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs), Commissioners of Police in the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The IG underscored “the critical importance of seamless collaboration and efficient coordination between the police and other law enforcement and security agencies, particularly as the festive season approaches”.
He applauded the police force for its substantial strides in crime prevention and control.
Speaking at the meeting, the IG said the efforts of police operatives led to significant achievements in ten weeks including the rescue of 134 kidnap victims, arrest of 375 suspected kidnappers, 578 armed robbery suspects, 431 suspects for rape and other sexual related offences.
Others include 724 murder/homicide suspects, 2,343 suspects for other criminal offences as well as the recovery of 419 firearms and 4,235 ammunition of various calibre.
“Notable amongst the cases busted within the period under review include the arrest of the daredevil robbers responsible for the deadly Otukpo bank robbery of 20th October, 2023, during which the Divisional Police Officer, Otukpo Division and many other innocent Nigerians lost their lives and huge sums of money were carted away from three commercial banks
“The rescue of eight students of the Federal University Lafia, who were kidnapped on 7th December, 2023 in Nasarawa State and the interception of a consignment of illicit arms intended for distribution to IPOB/ESN Camps, the arrest of the gunrunner and recovery of 22 semi-automatic pump action guns and 625 live cartridges”, he said.
During the gathering, the IG underscored the critical importance of seamless collaboration and efficient coordination between the police and other law enforcement and security agencies, particularly as the festive season approaches. He applauded the police force for its substantial strides in crime prevention and control.
Highlighted accomplishments include a noticeable reduction in various crime categories, attributed to proactive policing strategies and community engagement initiatives. In anticipation of the yuletide season, the IGP announced heightened deployments across strategic locations to deter criminal activities and ensure the safety of citizens.
The IG noted that the efforts of police operatives have led to significant achievements in ten weeks.
The IG reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian Police Force to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and service delivery urging the police chiefs to commit themselves to the new policing vision anchored on a culture of discipline and professional competence, guided by the rule of law, driven by service and passion for excellence, to the admiration of Nigerian citizens in support for the economic prosperity and socio-political development of the nation.
Meanwhile, the IG earlier joined representatives from the United States Government’s INL at the IGP’s Conference Hall in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Speaking on the development, Force Public Relations Officer and Assistant Commissioner of Police, (ACP) Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said “the MoU focuses on the operationalisation of the Special Intervention Squad, a joint initiative aimed at strengthening the capacity of the Nigerian Police Force in addressing emerging security challenges.”
During the gathering, the IG underscored the critical importance of seamless collaboration and efficient coordination between the police and other law enforcement and security agencies, particularly as the festive season approaches. He applauded the police force for its substantial strides in crime prevention and control.
Highlighted accomplishments include a noticeable reduction in various crime categories, attributed to proactive policing strategies and community engagement initiatives. In anticipation of the yuletide season, the IGP announced heightened deployments across strategic locations to deter criminal activities and ensure the safety of citizens.
The IG noted that the efforts of police operatives have led to significant achievements in ten weeks.
The IG reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian Police Force to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and service delivery urging the police chiefs to commit themselves to the new policing vision anchored on a culture of discipline and professional competence, guided by the rule of law, driven by service and passion for excellence, to the admiration of Nigerian citizens in support for the economic prosperity and socio-political development of our dear nation.