The Nigeria Police Force has arrested 5,488 suspects and rescued 170 kidnapped victims between June and July 2025.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, announced this on Tuesday during the Strategic Police Officers Conference in Abuja. He commended officers nationwide for their bravery and outlined ongoing initiatives to reform police operations and enhance personnel welfare.

Addressing senior police officers from across the country, the IGP described the conference as a vital platform for realigning strategies, renewing values, and strengthening the collective resolve of the Force.
Egbetokun acknowledged that Nigeria’s security environment is rapidly changing, with threats now reaching beyond geography and ideology to include digital and transnational dangers.

He pointed out that this complex landscape requires a new policing model—one that is coordinated, intelligence-led, technology-driven, and firmly rooted in community trust.

He emphasised that the Force must continue to adapt, innovate, and respond swiftly, with discipline and a respect for the rule of law.

The IGP revealed that during June and July 2025, the police arrested 5,488 suspects for a variety of offences, including kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, homicide, cybercrime, trafficking, and violent assault.

He added that the Force recovered 316 firearms, 2,884 rounds of ammunition, and 216 stolen or unregistered vehicles. Notably, 170 kidnapped victims were rescued, many from remote and dangerous areas.

He noted that in Kogi State, police foiled a kidnap attempt along the Obajana–Oshokoshoko axis and safely rescued 24 victims.

“In Benue State, targeted raids led to the arrest of arms traffickers and the seizure of multiple AK-47 rifles, a rocket launcher, and over 2,000 rounds of live ammunition.

“In Edo State, a joint operation dismantled a kidnap ring and rescued 14 victims, while in Taraba, officers responded swiftly to an ambush on a bus and secured the release of 17 passengers,” he stated.

Egbetokun further noted that the rescue of 46 trafficked Ghanaians and the arrest of seven suspects, following a complaint from Accra, was due to international collaboration with Nigeria’s Interpol National Central Bureau.
“In Jigawa, a cybercrime syndicate was taken down in Birnin Kudu, with thousands of counterfeit US dollars and several electronic fraud devices recovered,” he said.

He commended the teamwork among intelligence units and the bravery of operatives, highlighting that each individual and success story signifies lives saved and public trust gained.

Focusing on officers’ welfare, the IGP gave an emotional and honest evaluation of the poor condition of retired police personnel under the Contributory Pension Scheme.

He described their post-service life as degrading and unfair, explaining that many cannot afford healthcare, housing, or basic dignity.

He said this situation has led to a wave of anxiety among active officers who now fear retirement rather than anticipate it.

He condemned the misinterpretation of the Police Force’s efforts to explore supplementary pension funding, clarifying that these initiatives were undertaken in good faith and are not attempts to derail the move to exit the CPS.

Egbetokun reiterated that the Force’s stance, shared by both serving and retired officers, remains consistent.

He urged officers to remain calm and patient, revealing that the Force is engaging at the highest levels of government to find a dignified and lasting solution.

He warned against external actors attempting to hijack the pension protests for political or personal gain, calling on retired officers to “hold the line,” as their voices have been heard and their sacrifices acknowledged.

As part of efforts to boost morale and recognise excellence, the IGP announced a new welfare initiative: officers who receive the IGP’s Award for Exceptional Professionalism in two consecutive cycles will be considered for accelerated promotion.

This, he said, is a move to create a culture where excellence is not only recognised but rewarded meaningfully.
He urged all police commands to actively promote credible operational results to combat misinformation and restore public trust.

According to him, visibility, transparency, and results-oriented communication are key tools for building confidence in an era where public perception determines legitimacy.

Egbetokun reminded officers that their leadership is demonstrated by daily behaviour, not by rank or title.
He encouraged them to lead by example, uphold high standards, and foster a culture of accountability and innovation within their commands.

The Nigeria Police Force stated that it remains committed to protecting lives, upholding justice, and maintaining national unity.

“We will not be deterred. We will not be distracted. And by God’s grace, we will not fail,” he declared.