Police nab 23 for robbery, kidnapping, recover weapons

No fewer than 23 suspected criminals were arrested for various degrees of crimes on Christmas day.
Force Public Relations Office (FPRO), ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, noted that the arrests follow the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, to commands and formations to ensure adequate safety and security during the Yuletide.

He added that the arrests were made across several states in the country, with multiple groups of armed robbers, cultists and hoodlums targeting fun seekers and engaging in gangsterism during Christmas celebrations caught in police net.

According to Adejobi, on December 25, 2024, at around 1 a.m., the police operatives attached to Lagos State Command received a distress call that a group of hoodlums armed with dangerous weapons was operating around the Safejo area of Amukoko, Lagos State.

He added, “The swift response by the police operatives to the scene led to the arrest of three of the suspected hoodlums identified as Emmanuel Okoli, 20 years, Ogunde Tejiri, 20 years, and Emmanuel Orji, 18 years, and also the recovery of the weapons they had used in carrying out robbery attacks on innocent fun seekers in the area. The police have implemented intensified searches to apprehend the fleeing members of the gang.”

In a similar development, police operatives attached to the Saminaka Division of the Kaduna State Command on December 25, 2024, at around 8 p.m., successfully apprehended one Sule Muhammad, 25 years, who had been actively involved in multiple kidnapping incidents within the Saminaka area.

“Further investigation led to the recovery of a fabricated AK-47 rifle from the suspect. The suspect confessed to being a member of a notorious kidnapping gang that had been evading arrest since the capture of other gang members on August 16, 2024, until his recent arrest on December 25, 2024.

“Following cooperation received from Muhammad, efforts are in top gear to apprehend other members of his gang and recover more arms and ammunition in their identified camp. Commendable efforts of the Nigeria Police Operatives have also been witnessed in states including Delta, Ogun, Katsina, Benue, FCT, and Imo, leading to the arrests of several suspects in various locations during the Christmas celebration period,” Adejobi said.

He added that the IGP has commended the officers involved in these operations for their vigilance and commitment to public safety, highlighting their display of exemplary dedication in safeguarding our communities, especially during this joyful season. The IGP urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.

He said, “The IGP further assures citizens that the Force is fully committed to creating a safe environment for everyone as they partake in the joy and cheer of the holiday season. As the celebrations continue, the Nigeria Police Force remains steadfast in its mission to protect all citizens and ensure that the spirit of festivities during this period remains unmarred by criminal activities.”