We Recorded 172 Cases Of Kidnap, Rescued 107 Abducted Victims In 7 Weeks — IGP Kayode

No fewer than 172 cases of kidnapping were recorded and 107 abducted victims have been rescued in the last seven weeks, the Nigeria Police Force revealed.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun disclosed the information while addressing strategic commanders and managers of the Nigeria Police on Thursday in Abuja.

The IGP noted that its operatives through the strategic blend of proactive policing, intelligence-led operations and community engagements arrested 814 suspects for their participation in various crimes within the period under review.

The police said it also recovered a total of 166 firearms, 1,074 ammunition and 41 vehicles in the past seven weeks.

“During this period, we recorded 35 cases of terrorism/secessionist attacks, 302 cases of murder, 111 cases of armed robbery, 67 cases of banditry, and fifteen cases of unlawful possession of firearms,” the IGP added.

Giving a breakdown of the achievements across the nation, the police chief said operatives in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), since the launch of the Special Intervention Squad (SIS) on January 17, have arrested kidnap kingpins and their syndicates.

They had rescued 14 hostages unhurt from a kidnap syndicate camp in Ukya village in Nasarawa within the period in view, IGP Egbetokun noted.

Other states where the police recorded notable achievements include Rivers, Plateau, Ekiti, Kwara, Kaduna, Kogi and Ogun respectively.

Also, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal – Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear unit of the police, is said to have neutralised buried IEDs and Unexploded Ordnances (UXOs) in Mallam Fatori, Abadan LGA, Baga, Doro Baga, Bama, Marte, Auno, Jakana, Dikwa, Monguno, Magumere, Danboa, Gamboru Ngala, Konduga and Maiduguri, facilitating the safe return of residents to their homes.

“Similarly, on 08/01/2024, personnel of the EOD-CBRN Base 36 Awka, stationed at the Military Forward Operational Base, Anambra State, successfully recovered five IEDs from an unregistered Lexus Jeep following the neutralization of three (3) IPOB members in Ihiala, Anambra State.

“I also wish to commend the prompt response of the personnel of the EOD-CBRN in Oyo State Police Command to the regrettable explosion incident at Ibadan on 16/01/2024.

“The swift response and expertise in managing explosive incidents across the nation have significantly contributed to mitigating such occurrences and reducing avoidable loss of lives,” The IGP said.

Meanwhile, no fewer than 14 suspects including two public officials, were apprehended across the affected states, following their involvement or plans to disrupt the recently conducted run-off and bye-elections across 26 states of the nation.

“In Akwa Ibom State, a locally made pistol was recovered, while a suspected thug was lynched by members of the public in Kaduna State. The arrested suspects will be handed over to the INEC upon conclusion of investigations for further actions in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended),” the IGP said.

He further noted, “It is imperative for me to emphasise that in spite of the aforementioned achievements and accolades, we must not lose sight of the pervasive atmosphere of insecurity and the malfeasance of some of our men and officers.

“It is deeply regrettable that we have some unscrupulous elements in our midst who often conduct themselves improperly, thereby bringing the Force into disrepute.

“These unscrupulous elements in our midst often disparage the good and hard work of the majority of us, thereby compounding the negative image of the Nigerian Police in the eyes of our people.

“I hereby state categorically that it is our responsibility to ensure better service delivery through the strict supervision of our men and officers. It is incumbent upon us to lead by example and leave no room for the negative elements in our midst to thrive.”