The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has achieved significant progress in restoring order to regions plagued by criminal activities, with numerous successful rescue operations conducted nationwide in the month of February. Enhanced tactical deployments and collaborative efforts have led to the arrest of seventy-two (72) criminal suspects, including thirty-four (34) involved in kidnapping, within the last two weeks alone. Additionally, twenty-two (22) kidnapping victims were successfully rescued during this period.
Arrests and Confessions in Edo State Cult Killings Investigation
Operatives from the Force Intelligence Department’s Intelligence Response Squad (FID-IRT) have made breakthroughs in the investigation of daily killings and unrest caused by rival secret cults in Edo State. Edosa Obasuyi, Abumere Endurance, Monday Otubu, and Esther Abumere were arrested in the Ekpoma area, confessing to being members of the Eiye confraternity involved in the killings and cult activities in the region. Recoveries from their residences included two (2) pump-action guns, various voter cards, nineteen (19) live cartridges, four (4) expended cartridges, a wooden carved gun, illicit drugs, charms, and mobile phones. Interrogation revealed the motive behind the killings as a rivalry between the Eiye confraternity and the Maphites. Efforts are underway to apprehend more members of the group.
Arrest of Suspected Kidnapper and Gang in Kaduna State
On January 27, 2024, the IRT apprehended Bello Umar, a 28-year-old Fulani man from Tsafe LGA, Zamfara State, suspected of being a kidnapper along with approximately ten other gang members. Umar confessed to their involvement in numerous kidnappings along the Abuja-Kaduna State expressway, with their base located in the Rigina Forest in Kaduna State. He admitted to receiving ransom amounts ranging from ₦100 million to ₦40 million. The arrest led to the recovery of ₦2.2 million, Umar’s share from a recent ransom collection.
Preventing a Threatened Attack in Niger State
In response to a threat targeting Kwarra Village in Shiriro LGA, Niger State, the police successfully arrested Lawal Mohammed, aged 22. The suspect had demanded ₦4 million from the village, threatening an attack if not paid. Investigations revealed that Mohammed had previously escaped police custody before his arrest. He confessed to providing the kidnappers with his uncle’s contact, who happened to be the village head, to extort money.
Interception of Military Accoutrements Movement in Kaduna
Operatives from the FID-STS intercepted the movement of military accoutrements from Kaduna to Zamfara State, specifically in Shinkafi LGA. The search led to the recovery of military items, including 10 sets of camouflage uniforms, 10 camel packs, 12 military hats, 3 cardigans, 3 t-shirts, 2 belts, and 3 anklets. Two suspects, Mushiri Abubakar (28) and Ahmed Mohammed (40), were arrested. Abubakar confessed to obtaining military materials from a childhood friend who was previously an Airforce personnel, introducing the idea of selling such items. Further investigations revealed Abubakar’s connection to supplying military materials to the notorious Bello Turji.
The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, affirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all Nigerians. He emphasized that the recent achievements showcase the dedication of the force to combating crime and restoring peace in troubled regions, with public safety and security remaining top priorities.