The Nigeria Police Force has made some major breakthroughs in the fight against crime. The operatives of the Nigeria Police Force FID-STS on Wednesday, paraded 14 suspects in connection with kidnapping, murder, banditry, vandalism, killing of police officers among other heinous crimes and busted a major gunrunning syndicate, which is a huge win. But that's not all - in just one month, they've arrested an impressive 2,740 suspects linked to various prominent criminal cases across the country.
Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi while parading the 14 suspects in Abuja noted that the Inspector-General of Police's (IGP) efforts to diversify tactics and tackle all forms of crime will remain relentless in its effort towards ensuring that the perpetrators of heinous crimes across the country are brought to book.
Amongst suspects paraded were two individuals connected to the kidnapping ring, Yahu Usman, a 30-year-old male from Bande village in Kaduna State, and Iddi Isambulai, a 25-year-old male from Kwe village, Kafanchan, Kaduna State.
Intelligence reports reveal the presence of a kidnapped gun operating in the Kaduna and Nassarawa regions, with their hideout located in Maga Forest. Upon receiving this information, operators from the intelligence response team IRT launched an operation to investigate and apprehend members of the gang.
On the 20th of August 2024, IRT operatives successfully arrested two individuals connected to the kidnapping ring, Yahu Usman, a 30-year-old male from Bande village in Kaduna State, and Iddi Isambulai, a 25-year-old male from Kwe village, Kafanchan, Kaduna State.
During the investigation, one of the victims, who had been kidnapped at his residence in Keffi, Nassarawa State, positively identified Yahu Usman as a member of the gang responsible for his kidnapping.
The victim revealed that the kidnappers had extorted 6 million Naira along with other valuables during the incident. Confronted with this testimony, Yahu Usman admitted to the crime and his involvement in the gang.
In his confession, Yahu Usman disclosed his affiliation with the notorious Mungu Gwakei kidnapping gang, which is led by one Yahaya Nuhu, who remains at large and will surely get him. He confirmed his participation in at least six kidnappings since joining the gang in early 2023, within a year six.
According to him, negotiations for ransom were handled by the gang's leaders, and he personally benefited over one million Naira from their operations.
He further explained that he used part of this proceeds to purchase a motorcycle, which he used to transport kidnapped victims to forest idols after their adoptions Motorcycles. The second arrested individual revealed that he had contacted Yahu Usman with the intention of orchestrating the kidnapping of an individual known as Eto, who had refused to lend him a motorcycle.
Abnai also confessed that he was recently initiated into the Mungu Gwakei gang, and that this was his first attempt at coordinating a kidnapping, which ultimately led to his arrest. During questioning, Yahu Usman informed investigators that the gang was armed with three AK-47 rifles and one English pistol, all purchased by their leader, Yahaya Nuhu.
Upon Yahu Usman's arrest, one of the AK-47 rifles along with an empty magazine was recovered from his possession. Investigations are ongoing, and efforts have been intensified to capture the ringleader and other members of the gang.
Another suspects paraded were gunrunning syndicate operating in the Bauchi-Plateau region.
The suspects, identified as Taimako Mato ‘m’, John Danladi ‘m’, Mohammed Munkail ‘m’, Manasseh William ‘m’ and Muhammadu Haddi ‘m’ were arrested with 1 PKT Machine Gun, 40 rounds of 37.2mm and 95rounds of 62mm cartridge ammunition. The Leader of the syndicate, Taimako Mato, was a weapon handling instructor at a Boko Haram Camp, who procures these prohibited weapons and passes them on to the other members of the syndicate to sell to various buyers.
Over the last month, the Nigeria Police Force recorded the arrest of 295-armed robbery suspects, 186 kidnappers, 271 Murder/Homicide suspects, and 71 suspects for the unlawful possession of Firearms. Also arresting 199 suspects for sexual-related offences, 143 suspects for cultism, and 1575 suspects arrested for other various crimes.
The Force also recovered 185 firearms and a total number of 4087 ammunition of various calibres, 111 vehicles were recovered and 129 kidnapped victims rescued.
Force PRO affirmed that the Inspector General of Police once again reassures members of the public of the Police Force's dedication to protecting the lives and property, and to this effect, the IGP has emplaced several strategies and tactics, aimed at combating various forms of crimes in all spheres. The IGP hereby calls for citizens’ full support in actualizing this goal and establishing a utopia in our dear country.
He said the Nigeria Police Force will not relent in the pursuit of ensuring crimes and criminalities are brought to its lowest in accordance with the Rule of Law, and upholding the highest standards of professionalism in carrying out extant duties of protection of lives and properties.
SpyeTV News report that these developments show that the Nigeria Police Force is serious about tackling crime and ensuring public safety. With continued efforts and community support, we can look forward to a safer and more secure Nigeria!