The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a major breakthrough after coordinated security operations led to the arrest of 43 suspected criminals.
The development comes as security agencies continue to intensify efforts against kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, murder and other violent crimes across the country.
Moreover, the nationwide operation resulted in the recovery of firearms, suspected stolen items, illicit drugs and rustled livestock.
According to the Force Headquarters, the coordinated exercise covered Anambra, Bayelsa, Benue, Delta, Gombe, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Osun, Bauchi and Zamfara states. The operation was carried out in partnership with other security agencies to strengthen public safety and tackle criminal activities.
The Police nationwide operations also highlighted the growing collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), local vigilantes and community hunters.
Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Iniedu, said the latest operations reflected the determination of the police to protect lives and property across Nigeria.
According to him, the operations demonstrated “the commitment of the police to combating crime, protecting lives and property, and improving public safety nationwide.”
One of the biggest successes was recorded in Nasarawa State. Police operatives rescued six kidnapped victims after sustained pressure was mounted on their abductors. Fortunately, all the victims were rescued unharmed before being taken for medical examination. They were later reunited with their families after necessary security procedures were completed.
Furthermore, security operatives carried out a joint clearance exercise across nine communities in Nasarawa State. The operation involved the Nigerian Army, NSCDC, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Police Mobile Force, Civilian Joint Task Force and local hunters. Consequently, 29 suspects were arrested while substances believed to be cannabis were recovered.
Meanwhile, in Anambra State, police arrested a suspected transformer vandal identified as Chiemerie Chukwuma. The suspect was reportedly electrocuted while allegedly attempting to vandalise an electricity transformer. He was rescued by police officers and taken to St. Felix Hospital in Nnewi, where he remains under treatment.
In Bayelsa State, three suspected cult members were arrested following a shooting incident. The suspects included Michael Kabaka, 24, and two students of the Federal University, Otuoke. During the operation, officers recovered a battle axe and a Toyota Corolla with registration number GBB-731-AE.
Similarly, the Benue State Police Command arrested three suspects after an attack on the State Civil Protection Guard office. A locally made pistol was also recovered during the operation.
In Delta State, detectives arrested three suspects identified as Israel Nwafor, Eric Michael and Peter Edaifogho over an alleged murder case. The victim’s body was deposited at the Federal Medical Centre mortuary for an autopsy.
Meanwhile, officers in Gombe State intercepted a vehicle transporting two suspected stolen cows. One suspect, Adamu Tukur, aged 40, was rescued from an angry mob before being taken into police custody. Both the vehicle and the recovered cattle were secured as evidence.
Another successful operation was carried out by the Visitation and Crime Response Unit. Officers responded to an armed robbery distress call and arrested one suspect. In addition, they recovered a Lexus Sports Utility Vehicle, a laptop and other valuables abandoned by fleeing robbers.
In Niger State, police tactical teams worked alongside DSS operatives, hunters and local vigilantes during an investigation into a homicide case. One suspect, Sagir Gwino, also known as Dawa, was arrested. Personal belongings linked to the missing victims were also recovered.
Furthermore, the Ogun State Police Command arrested a 24-year-old woman identified as Sonde Mary. She was accused of helping a rape suspect evade arrest.
Detectives in Osun State also processed a murder scene before moving the victim’s remains to the Wesley Guild Hospital mortuary for further examination.
In Bauchi State, police officers, hunters and vigilantes responded swiftly to an armed robbery incident that resulted in a death. The victim’s body was later released to the family for burial according to Islamic rites.
Likewise, security operatives in Zamfara State responded to a bandit attack. The victims were evacuated while arrangements for autopsy and burial were made. Moreover, four cows abandoned by fleeing bandits after a gun battle in Gummi Local Government Area were recovered and handed to the State Government Committee on Cattle Recovery for identification.
The Force Headquarters also confirmed that security was successfully provided during the visit of First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu to Kogi State without any security breach.
Meanwhile, joint patrols have been strengthened along the Gusau-Tsafe Federal Highway and other vulnerable routes. These measures are expected to reduce criminal activities and improve safety for residents and travellers.
