- The police reiterated their commitment to combating criminal activities
The Nigeria Police Force successfully foiled multiple kidnapping attempts across eight states on Christmas Day, arresting 23 suspects and recovering dangerous weapons, including a fabricated AK-47 rifle.
The operations, part of the anti-crime strategy spearheaded by Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, were carried out in Lagos, Kaduna, Delta, Ogun, Katsina, Benue, Imo, and the Federal Capital Territory.
In a statement on Friday, Force Spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi detailed the coordinated efforts, highlighting significant arrests in Lagos and Kaduna.
Three suspects were apprehended in Lagos following a distress call about armed hoodlums targeting fun-seekers in the Safejo area of Amukoko.
“Police operatives swiftly responded, arresting Emmanuel Okoli (20), Ogunde Tejiri (20), and Emmanuel Orji (18), and recovering weapons used in robbery attacks,” Adejobi said. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang.
In Kaduna State, operatives from the Saminaka Division arrested Sule Muhammad, a 25-year-old suspect linked to several kidnapping incidents.
“Further investigation led to the recovery of a fabricated AK-47 rifle,” Adejobi revealed. “The suspect confessed to being a member of a notorious kidnapping gang and has been on the run since August.”
Efforts are underway to apprehend his accomplices and recover more weapons from the gang’s hideout.
Similar successes were recorded in other states, with multiple suspects arrested for various crimes. The police reiterated their commitment to combating criminal activities and ensuring public safety during the festive season.
The operations highlight the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to tackle insecurity across Nigeria, particularly during periods of heightened activity such as the holidays.