By Ekpenyong Emmanuel
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has announced a significant breakthrough in its efforts to combat crime and insecurity across the country. According to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, the police have arrested a total of 30,313 suspects and rescued 1,581 kidnapped victims in 2024.
The IGP made this disclosure at an end-of-year conference with strategic police managers, where he highlighted the achievements of the police in the past year. He noted that the police have intensified their efforts in tackling kidnapping, cultism, murder, rape, armed robbery, and unlawful possession of firearms.
In addition to the arrests and rescues, the police also recovered 1,984 assorted firearms, 23,250 rounds of ammunition, and 1,438 stolen vehicles. The IGP attributed the success to the hard work and dedication of police officers, as well as the support of the public.
One notable achievement mentioned by the IGP was the rescue of one Nigerian and three Indian nationals on June 30, 2024, in Ogun State. Despite being ambushed by gunfire, the victims were safely rescued, and two kidnappers were neutralized in a subsequent raid.
The police have also made significant progress in cybercrime enforcement, with the recovery of N3.9 billion and the arrest of individuals linked to a multi-bank scam. In November, a coordinated raid led to the capture of 130 suspects, including 113 foreign nationals, involved in global cybercrime operations.
The IGP assured that the welfare of police officers remains a top priority, with the launch of the Nigeria Police Insurance Company aimed at improving insurance and welfare packages. Over N12 billion in insurance payouts have been distributed to 4,223 beneficiaries of the NPF Group Life Insurance Scheme.
As the holiday season approaches, the IGP promised that the police will ensure robust security throughout the period, with heightened vigilance to protect lives and property.
