The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has disclosed that the Nigeria Police Force arrested 1,774 criminal suspects and rescued 476 kidnapped victims across the country between April and May 2025.
He made this revelation on Wednesday during a strategic conference with senior police officers in Abuja, where he commended recent operational successes and urged commanders not to relent in the fight against crime and insecurity.
In his address, the police chief expressed deep appreciation for the tireless dedication, loyalty, and courage displayed by officers, often in the face of limited resources and significant personal risk.
He noted that despite Nigeria’s dynamic security landscape, ranging from terrorism and insurgency in the North-East to kidnapping, cultism, cybercrime, and other transnational crimes, the Force has recorded substantial gains in recent months.
“From April to May 2025, the Nigeria Police Force arrested 1,774 criminal suspects for offences including kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, and murder.
“Officers also recovered 274 assorted firearms, 2,583 rounds of ammunition, 187 stolen or unregistered vehicles, and successfully rescued 476 kidnapped victims, many of whom were found in difficult and remote terrains,” he stated.
The IGP cited several notable operations, noting that in Kaduna State, police dismantled a major kidnapping syndicate, arresting over 30 suspects and rescuing abducted victims.
“In Anambra and Imo States, intelligence-led raids on insurgent cells led to the arrest of high-value suspects linked to recent attacks on security formations, with arms and IED-making materials recovered.
“In Lagos and Ogun States, the Anti-Cultism Units disrupted numerous cult initiation ceremonies, arrested more than 100 cultists, and seized dangerous weapons, an intervention that significantly reduced inter-gang violence in urban hotspots.
“Another milestone was the extradition of a Nigerian fugitive, Abubakar Aboki Muhammed, from the United Arab Emirates over a \$307,500 fraud case,” he stated.
The IGP also highlighted a number of high-impact rescue missions as police operatives rescued 25 Ivorian nationals and arrested eight members of a transnational kidnapping syndicate.
“In Enugu State, 21 kidnapped victims were rescued following a joint operation involving the police, military, and local security groups.
“A similar success was recorded in Rivers State with the arrest of suspects involved in the abduction of two Ghanaian women, who were rescued unhurt.
“In Anambra State, officers on patrol intercepted a suspicious shuttle bus, uncovering five pump-action rifles and ammunition concealed in a bag of rice.
“On the same day, in Imo State, operatives engaged suspected IPOB/ESN terrorists, neutralizing three and recovering weapons, mobile devices, and over ₦10 million believed to be ransom proceeds,” IGP said.
According to him, police in Edo State rescued 10 university students abducted en route to a conference, while also rescuing two other kidnapped victims in a separate operation.
“In Kano State, three suspects were arrested and 15 locally fabricated rifles and over 100 cartridges were recovered during a raid,” he added.
These operations, according to the IGP, underscore the operational dexterity of the Force, enhanced inter-agency collaboration, and increasing community engagement.
He noted that the successes affirm the Force’s ability to deliver results when properly supported and well-led.
However, he cautioned that these are not endpoints but milestones on a continuous journey, urging senior officers to sustain the momentum and adapt to new threats.
Egbetokun emphasised that expectations from the public must be matched by improved capacity, revealing that his office has, in recent months, deployed additional resources to high-risk areas, reinforced internal supervision systems, and improved coordination with stakeholders at all levels.
He urged commanders to maintain a high level of operational visibility, review local crime patterns, and ensure that intelligence drives their actions.
Officers were encouraged to strengthen collaboration with sister agencies and community-based structures, adopt a whole-of-society approach to policing, and above all, lead by example to inspire subordinates.
The IGP warned against distractions from false narratives by individuals who seek to discredit the police under the guise of activism, asserting that the Force must remain focused and professional.
While acknowledging the rising public confidence in police efforts, he stressed the importance of maintaining integrity, discipline, and vigilance.
Addressing public concerns, Egbetokun reiterated the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to accountability, stating that misconduct by personnel will not be tolerated.
He encouraged Nigerians to report incidents of abuse, extortion, or unprofessional conduct through verified complaint channels, including the Complaints Response Unit (CRU), state commands, and online platforms.
In closing, the IGP called on officers to meet criminal enterprise with resolve, innovation, and professionalism.
He said history would remember the Force’s actions during this critical period and urged personnel to rise above cynicism, wear their uniforms with pride, and work tirelessly to restore public trust.
“Our nation needs us. Let our legacy be defined by courage, honour, and impact—not just in arrests and recoveries, but in the public confidence we inspire and the communities we protect,” he said.
Egbetokun reaffirmed his confidence in the capacity of the police leadership and vowed to continue building a modern, accountable, and service-driven Nigeria Police Force.
