The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has demonstrated its commitment to public safety and security through enhanced tactical deployments and collaborative efforts. Over the past two weeks, the NPF Tactical Squads, specifically the Intelligence Response Squad (IRT) and Special Tactical Squad (STS), have achieved remarkable results, including the arrest of seventy-two criminal suspects, the rescue of twenty-two kidnap victims, and the confiscation of illicit military equipment.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Force public relations officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Tuesday February 13, 2023.
According to the statement, one notable operation unfolded in Edo State, where the FID-IRT operatives arrested Edosa Obasuyi, Abumere Endurance, Monday Otubu, and Esther Abumere, who confessed to being members of the Eiye confraternity.
Their apprehension shed light on their involvement in the ongoing killings and cult activities in the Ekpoma area. The recovery of two pump-action guns, voter cards, live cartridges, an improvised wooden gun, illicit drugs, charms, and cell phones during the search of their residences underscores the severity of their criminal operations.
The suspects revealed that the killings were a result of the rivalry between the Eiye and Maphite confraternities, prompting ongoing efforts to apprehend more members and restore law and order to the region.
In a separate incident on January 27, 2024, IRT operatives arrested Bello Umar, a 28-year-old Fulani man from Tsafe LGA, Zamfara State, suspected of being a key player in numerous kidnappings along the Abuja-Kaduna State expressway.
Umar, along with approximately ten gang members, confessed to receiving ransom amounts ranging from ₦100 million to ₦40 million. The arrest not only led to the dismantling of the gang but also the recovery of ₦2.2 million, Umar’s share from a recent ransom collection.
The NPF’s swift response to a threat made against Kwarra Village in Niger State resulted in the arrest of Lawal Mohammed. The 22-year-old suspect had threatened the village unless a ransom of ₦4 million was paid, revealing a disturbing trend of criminal activities. Mohammed, who had previously escaped police custody, confessed to providing his uncle’s contact information to kidnappers to extort money from the community.
Furthermore, FID-STS operatives intercepted the movement of military accoutrements from Kaduna to Zamfara state, arresting Mushiri Abubakar and Ahmed Mohammed. Abubakar, a childhood friend of an Airforce personnel, admitted to the illegal sale of military materials and revealed connections to the notorious Bello Turji. The recovered items included military uniforms, camel packs, hats, cardigans, t-shirts, belts, and anklets, shedding light on illicit networks involved in the trade of military equipment.
Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, emphasized the unwavering commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to safeguarding citizens. He acknowledged that these recent achievements underscore the Force’s dedication to combating crime and restoring peace to troubled regions, with public safety and security remaining top priorities.
