- IGP sustains deployment of chopper for aerial support, proactive measures along train route
The Nigeria Police Force, under the esteemed leadership of Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, continues to make significant strides in the relentless pursuit of combating crime and safeguarding the safety and security of citizens across the nation.
In a statement released by the Force Public Relations Officer at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, it was highlighted that recent sustained deployments along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway and within Kaduna state have yielded substantial successes in the ongoing battle against violent crimes from January 2024 to the present.
A notable strategic initiative implemented along the Abuja-Kaduna expressway involves the deployment of a helicopter to escort trains traversing the route. This proactive measure, under the directive of the Inspector General of Police, serves as both a deterrent to criminal elements and a rapid response mechanism in the event of any untoward incidents. Ultimately, this initiative enhances security along the corridor and throughout the state at large.
The diligent efforts of the Nigeria Police Force have resulted in commendable outcomes, including the arrest of 81 armed robbery suspects, 40 kidnap suspects, 73 murder/homicide suspects, 36 rape suspects, 22 individuals involved in cult-related crimes, and 28 suspects engaged in various other criminal activities.
Furthermore, the Police have successfully recovered 16 firearms of various types, along with 686 ammunitions of diverse calibres. Additionally, operations have led to the retrieval of 28 stolen vehicles, over 200 harmful weapons, and 600 bags of fertilizers. Notably, a total sum of three million, three hundred and fifty thousand Naira (N3,350,000) previously paid as ransom to kidnappers has been successfully recovered. Furthermore, swift and coordinated efforts have led to the safe rescue of 158 kidnapped victims, all of whom have been reunited with their families unharmed. The majority of the suspects have been formally charged, with 63 suspects pending prosecution.
A significant case includes the arrest of Ibrahim Abdullahi, alias MANDE, at the Abuja-Kaduna Road flyover by Rido Junction. Abdullahi confessed to being the leader of a kidnap syndicate that has been terrorizing the Kaduna-Abuja highway, alongside other notorious criminals such as Dogo Gide and Bello Turji. He admitted involvement in various kidnapping incidents, including the Green Field University kidnapping, as well as multiple other abductions along the Abuja-Kaduna highway.
Similarly, based on confessional statements, Ibrahim, along with Auwal Ayuba and Babangida Alhaji Bello, were identified as part of the armed group responsible for attacking a train en route from Abuja in the Kateri-Rijana area of Kaduna state on the 28th of March, 2022, resulting in casualties and abductions.
The Inspector General of Police has reiterated the unwavering commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens. He emphasized that the Force remains dedicated to replicating these successful interventions and operations nationwide, ensuring that the movement of citizens across the country remains unimpeded by the activities of criminal elements within society.
