The inspector general of police, Mr. Mohammed Adamu said on Thursday that the police arrested no fewer than1, 151 high profile suspects from August to date.
Adamu who disclosed this in Abuja on Thursday at his monthly conference with senior police officers from the rank of commissioner of police said the suspects included 470 armed robbers, 216 kidnappers, 335 cultists and 130 murder suspects.
He said 228 firearms of various descriptions and calibre were recovered in various police operations across the country within the period.
Besides, Adamu said 231 kidnapped victims were safely rescued and reunited with their families, while 75 stolen vehicles recovered during the period.
“I am… pleased to note that the national crime profile of the country continues to decline in relation to the previous quarters.
“This trend is indicative of the effectiveness of our policing strategies which are based on community partnership practices, application of cutting-edge policing technologies and crime management solutions, the engagement and integration of intelligence-led policing standards to our functions at all operational and investigative levels and an enhanced inter-agency collaboration orientation,” he said.
Vanguard quotes Adamu as saying that the trust gap between the citizens and the police have significantly improved.
“The trust gap between the citizens and the police has been significantly narrowed and the bond to fight and reclaim our communities from the criminals who are our common enemies has been strengthened.
The police chief commended the efforts of the police so far and charged them to maintain the tempo.
He also called for constant re-evaluation of the dynamics of crime and realignment of strategies.
“In doing so, it is worthy to note that there are still some security challenges, which currently require our professional attention.
“In this context, I encourage you all not to relent, but to roll up your sleeves with renewed vigour, in the fight against crimes in the country,” he said.
He also noted that the upcoming elections in Kogi and Bayelsa would again put the Nigeria Police Force professionalism and doggedness to test.
Adamu pledged the commitment of the police to work with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to create enabling environment that would guarantee peaceful conduct of the elections.
“While assuring law-abiding citizens and stakeholders of their safety during the elections, let me warn all political actors against undemocratic and illegal means of achieving aspirations.
“Such actors will be identified, isolated and be made to face the full wrath of the law.
“Parents and guardians are, therefore, advised to caution their children and wards against being used to undermine the democratic process in the two states.
“The year is gradually running down, and as the lead internal security agency, I must remind you all, of your critical role in projecting and strengthening the security architecture in your commands.”
