The Police on Tuesday said they have rescued 363 kidnap victims unhurt and reunite them with their families in the past two months while 986 suspects were arrested over armed robbery, 377, kidnapping and banditry, 848, homicide, 297, possession of prohibited firearms, 517, rape, defilement and other sexual offences, 874, cultistism and 5,281 other criminal offences over the same period.

The Inspector General of Police (IG) Mr Olukayode Egbetokun revealed this in Abuja on Tuesday.

According to Egbetokun, the arrests and recoveries followed series of covert and overt operations targeted at smashing criminal gangs terrorising communities in the country.

Egbetokun spoke at a meeting with Strategic Police Managers, consisting of officers from the rank of Commissioner of Police and above added that a total of 520 firearms of various calibers, including AK47 and other assault rifles, 4,043 assorted ammunition and 264 stolen vehicles were recovered from the suspects.

He said the police would not leave any stone unturned in suppressing and decimating criminality and heinous activities of non-state actors in the country.

The I-G commended police personnel across the country for the professional manner they conducted themselves in the recent protest by citizens and organised labour, such that no single casualty was recorded.

“I commend Nigerian citizens and the labour leaders for also conducting themselves in the most peaceful manner.

“Indeed, the overall conduct of Police officers in the management of the protest should henceforth be adopted as a template for operational control of protests across the country.

“In this vein, Commissioners of Police are hereby directed to establish direct liaison and work with Labour Unions and Civil Society Organizations.

“The idea is to ensure that Labour related protests, rallies and similar public activities are peaceful and without incidents,” he said.

Tags: Acting I-G Olukayode Egbetokun kidnap victims Nigeria Police Force (NPF)