In a major push to combat rising criminal activities across the country, the Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has dismantled a notorious gunrunning syndicate while making significant arrests in other criminal cases.
In a statement, Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said over the past month, the police have apprehended 2,740 suspects involved in various criminal activities, underscoring the force’s intensified efforts to curb violent crime.
He said one of the key successes was the recent takedown of a major gunrunning syndicate operating in the Bauchi-Plateau region. The group, led by Taimako Mato, a former weapon-handling instructor at a Boko Haram camp, was responsible for the illegal procurement and distribution of firearms. Mato and four accomplices, identified as John Danladi, Mohammed Munkail, Manasseh William, and Muhammadu Haddi, were arrested in possession of a PKT machine gun and a significant cache of ammunition, including 40 rounds of 37.2mm and 95 rounds of 62mm cartridges. The syndicate was reportedly supplying weapons to various criminal factions across northern Nigeria.
This high-profile arrest is part of a broader police operation that has led to the arrest of 295 armed robbery suspects, 186 kidnappers, 271 individuals involved in murder and homicide, and 71 suspects caught with unlawful firearms. In addition, police operatives detained 199 individuals for sexual-related offenses, 143 for cultism, and 1,575 for various other crimes. The force also recovered 185 firearms, seized over 4,087 rounds of ammunition of various calibers, retrieved 111 stolen vehicles, and successfully rescued 129 kidnapped victims during this period.
Inspector-General Egbetokun commended the police force for their relentless efforts, reaffirming their commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Nigerian citizens. He noted that the force is continuously refining its tactics to address the evolving nature of crime in the country.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains steadfast in its mission to protect lives and property, and we will leave no stone unturned in bringing criminals to justice. Our latest efforts reflect our commitment to making our communities safer and reducing the prevalence of violent crime,” the IGP stated.
Egbetokun also emphasized the need for public cooperation, urging citizens to collaborate with law enforcement agencies by providing valuable information that could aid in crime prevention. He reiterated that the police force’s success relies on strong community partnerships and open communication channels.
Adejobi, highlighted the importance of citizen involvement, stating that public support is crucial for the police to achieve lasting peace and stability in the country. Adejobi assured Nigerians that the force would continue to uphold the highest standards of professionalism while adhering to the rule of law in their crime-fighting efforts.
“The recent achievements of the Nigeria Police Force are a testament to the strategic changes and new tactics being employed under the leadership of the IGP. These include intelligence-driven operations, community engagement, and swift response to emerging threats. We call on Nigerians to join hands with the police in creating a safer society,” Adejobi remarked.
As the Nigeria Police Force continues its crackdown on crime, the IGP has vowed that the force will not relent in its pursuit to drastically reduce criminal activities in the country. He assured the public that the police will maintain their momentum in the fight against armed robbery, kidnapping, sexual offenses, cultism, and other forms of criminality.
This latest operation, which has led to the arrest of a vast number of suspects and the dismantling of a dangerous syndicate, underscores the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to ensuring that the nation remains safe and secure. The force has promised to sustain its crime-fighting efforts through innovative strategies and stronger community engagement.
