The Nigeria Police Force has arrested a total of 199 suspects linked to terrorism, kidnapping, armed robbery, murder and cult-related crimes in operations conducted across the country since May, while 88 kidnapped victims were rescued.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, following the monthly conference between the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and senior officers of the Force at the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Peacekeeping Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
A breakdown of the arrests showed that eight suspected terrorists, 55 kidnapping suspects, 65 armed robbery suspects, 29 murder suspects and 42 suspected cultists were taken into custody during various operations nationwide.
The police also recovered 114 firearms, 843 rounds of ammunition and 28 stolen vehicles in the course of the operations.
Speaking at the conference held on Tuesday, the Inspector-General of Police charged senior officers to remain vigilant and responsive in tackling security threats across the country.
Disu told the officers that the nation was still grappling with crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery, cult violence, terrorism, banditry, farmer-herder clashes and cyber-enabled offences.
He said the Force must strengthen its leadership capacity, improve coordination and sustain operational responses capable of confronting emerging criminal activities.
“The country continues to face security threats ranging from kidnapping, armed robbery, cult-related violence, terrorism, banditry, farmer-herder conflicts, and cyber-enabled crimes,” the IGP said.
He emphasized the need for stronger leadership, improved coordination, and effective operational responses to ensure the Force remains ahead of emerging criminal threats.
The conference brought together Deputy Inspectors-General of Police, Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, Commissioners of Police and other senior officers to review the security situation across the country and evaluate ongoing policing strategies.