Nigeria Police Arrest 5,929 Suspects, Recover 337 Firearms in One Month

By Oluwakemi Kindness

The Nigeria Police Force says it has arrested 5,929 suspects and recovered 337 firearms in nationwide operations conducted over the last month.

The Force Public Relations Department, DCP, Muyiwa Adejobi, disclosed this on Wednesday at a press conference, noting that the operations also led to the seizure of 4,445 rounds of ammunition, 278 vehicles, and the rescue of 283 kidnapped victims.

According to him, those arrested include 715 armed robbery suspects, 305 suspected kidnappers, 533 murder/homicide suspects, 143 suspects for unlawful possession of firearms, 371 suspects for sexual-related offences, 590 cultism suspects, and 3,272 suspects for other crimes.

He quotes the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, as noting that the results were achieved through intelligence-driven policing and inter-agency collaboration, in line with his vision of building a modern and professional Police Force.

Some of the major breakthroughs highlighted include the arrest of suspected gunrunners in Adamawa, Kaduna, Taraba, and Plateau States, with the recovery of several AK-47 rifles, pistols, pump-action guns, and ammunition.

A suspected human trafficker, Jane Anodua, was also arrested in Rivers State, leading to the rescue of four children abducted from Plateau and trafficked to Imo State.

In Adamawa State, operatives arrested a suspected kidnapper, Haladu Haruna, linked to the abduction of businessman Mumuni Mohamadu, who was held for eight days before ransom was paid. Firearms used in the operation were recovered.

The Force added that mop-up operations across Taraba, Plateau, and Adamawa States yielded further recoveries of rifles, revolvers, pistols, and live ammunition.

It stated that efforts are ongoing to arrest fleeing accomplices and dismantle remaining networks.

The Police reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property, while calling on citizens to remain vigilant and provide useful information to aid law enforcement.