Police arrest 245 suspects in 14 days

The Nigeria Police Force says it has arrested 92 armed robbery suspects, and 153 kidnap suspects, and rescued 35 kidnap victims in the last two weeks, in several operations by its operatives across the country.

The police also said that it had recovered seven stolen vehicles, arrested nine suspected cultists, and recovered 44 arms and 477 ammunition of various calibres from its formations across the country.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Wednesday, stated this during a press briefing at the Headquarters of the Intelligence Response Team in Abuja.

Adejobi expressed confidence that the combined efforts of the various formations of the NPF will soon result in “a more secure and peaceful Nigeria”, noting the achievements of the Force in combating crime, managing civil challenges, rescuing kidnap victims, and so forth.

“In the last two weeks, the Force has arrested 92 armed robbery suspects, 153 kidnappers, and rescued 35 kidnap victims, recovered seven stolen vehicles, arrested nine suspected cultists, and recovered 44 arms and 477 ammunition of various calibres from other Commands and Formations across the country.

“As we continue to strengthen our investigative capabilities, and collaborate with our law enforcement partners, we remain steadfast in our mission to uphold the rule of law and protect the right of every citizen in the country. We are confident that the aggregate of our efforts towards combating crime will herald a more secure and peaceful Nigeria,” he said.

He added that the Force has recorded remarkable achievements across the country, most especially in combating crime and criminality, managing civil-associated challenges like labour protests, rescuing kidnap victims, bursting gun-running syndicates, and so on.

The FPRO further paraded 26 suspects on various charges including criminal conspiracy, transborder gun-running and illegal manufacture of firearms, suspected kidnapping, and culpable homicide. Also displayed were seven recovered AK-47 rifles, nine automatic pistols, 1,804 rounds of live ammunition, one point-of-sale machine, assorted illicit drugs and a Mazda saloon car.

Adejobi said the suspects will be promptly prosecuted following further investigations and interrogations.