Crime rates dropped nationwide, says IG

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on Tuesday, said there was a decline in crime rates across the country in the past few months due to the strategies deployed by the police.

Specifically, he noted that major crimes dropped to 416 in the last month, compared to 734 in May and 530 in June.

Egbetokun who spoke during a meeting with Commissioners of Police on Tuesday in Abuja commended personnel of the Force for their passion and commitment to the execution of his strategies.

He said, “It is gratifying to note that the strategies deployed and duly executed by our officers and their undiluted passion and commitment have yielded significant results across the length and breadth of our nation. Undoubtedly, the results achieved by our men and officers within the past months have accentuated the stability of the internal security order of the country. This is evident by the steady decline in crime rates over the past few months.

“A review of the monthly major crimes returns table revealed a significantly positive outlook. A drop in the major crimes reported in the last month, which stood at 416, compared with 734 and 530 for May and June respectively.”

Egbetokun added that, in the fight against criminal activities in the last month, the police arrested a total of 1,284 individuals nationwide.

He said, “In addition, we recorded remarkable successes in the fight against criminalities in the last month, manifesting in the arrest of a total of 1,284 suspects nationwide, and the recovery of 284 firearms, 6,702 ammunition, 107 vehicles, and we rescued 97 kidnapped victims.”

The IG also said the special task force on petroleum has arrested some suspects and recovered exhibits from them.

He said, “We have taken steps to reorganize and reposition the IGP Special Task Force on Petroleum and Illegal Corporate to enhance their operations as part of efforts towards combating the menace of oil thefts in Nigeria. Meanwhile, the Task Force recently recorded touching incidents of interceptions of suspected stolen goods and arrests of the perpetrators, as well as seizure of exhibits.

“Most of the cases are already in courts for timely dispensation of justice, and others still undergo investigation. It is imperative for me to mention here that the achievements recorded are the outcome of cooperation and collaboration with members of the public and other security agencies. They are also testaments to your dedication and professionalism.”