The Nigeria Police Force on Tuesday, said its Tactical Squad, in the last two weeks, has arrested a total of 72 crime suspects and rescued 22 persons in its efforts to restore peace and order to affected communities.

The police stated that the combined efforts of its Intelligence Response Squad and Special Tactical Squad, resulted in the arrest of the suspects, 34 of whom were involved in kidnapping.

“Within the last two weeks alone, the NPF Tactical Squads comprising the Intelligence Response Squad and Special Tactical Squad have made significant strides, resulting in the arrest of 72 criminal suspects, including
34 individuals were involved in the kidnapping.

“Additionally, 22 rescues were made, along with several other recoveries, within the last two weeks,” Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi disclosed in a statement.

He explained that the police, acting on intelligence of killings and unrest caused by rival secret cults in Edo State, arrested four suspects, and recovered other arms and ammunition.

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“Following an ongoing investigation into the daily killings and unrest caused by rival secret cults in Edo State, operatives from FID-IRT arrested Edosa Obasuyi, Abumere Endurance, Monday Otubu, and Esther Abumere in the Ekpoma area of Edo State. The suspects confessed to being members of the Eiye confraternity and admitted to their involvement in the killings and cult activities in the mentioned area.

“A search of their residences led to the recovery of two pump-action guns, numerous voter cards belonging to different individuals, 19 live cartridges, four expended cartridges, one wooden carved gun, illicit drugs, charms, and their cell phones.

“During interrogation, they affirmed that the killings in the state were carried out by the Eiye confraternity as a result of rivalry between Eiyes and Maphites. Efforts are underway to apprehend more fleeing members of the group and bring the area under the law,” he said.

Adejobi also disclosed that on January 27, 2024, operatives of the IRT apprehended one Bello Umar, a 28-year-old Fulani man from Tsafe LGA, Zamfara State, suspected of being a kidnapper, along with approximately ten other gang members.

Umar reportedly confessed to their involvement in numerous kidnappings along the Abuja-Kaduna State expressway, with his base located in the Rigina Forest in Kaduna State, and also admitted to receiving ransom amounts ranging from ₦100 million to ₦40 million. Upon his arrest, ₦2.2 million, his share from a recent ransom collection was recovered.

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The statement also cited another case, where the Police, upon receiving information that an unknown caller threatened the inhabitants of Kwarra Village under Shiriro LGA of Niger State, launched a detailed investigation which revealed that the caller had threatened to attack the village unless 4 million Naira was paid to him.

Police operatives immediately swung into action and successfully arrested one Lawal Mohammed, aged 22. Upon arrest and consequent investigation, it was revealed that the suspect had once escaped from police custody before his arrest. He further confessed that he had given out the number of his uncle, who happened to be the village head, to the kidnappers to obtain money from the proceeds.

“Also, operatives of the FID-STS intercepted the movement of military accouterments from Kaduna to Zamfara state, precisely Shinkafi LGA. In the process, a spot search was conducted, and the following items were recovered: 10 sets of military camouflage uniforms, 10 pieces of camel pack, 12 military hats, 3 cardigans, 3 t-shirts, 2 belts, and 3 anklets.

“Two suspects – Mushiri Abubakar, aged 28, and Ahmed Mohammed, aged 40 were arrested. Mushiri Abubakar confessed that he is a childhood friend of an Airforce personnel attached to the Airforce base in Kaduna state who served for only five years before being court marshalled and introduced the idea of selling military accoutrements to Mushiri Abubakar. Further investigation revealed that same Mushiri Abubakar had supplied military materials to the Notorious Bello Turji,” the statement further read.

According to the NPF spokesperson, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, underscored the commitment of the police to ensuring the safety and security of all Nigerians, noting that the recent achievements “reflect the dedication of the Force to combating crime and restoring peace to troubled regions even as public safety and security remain top priorities.”
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