The Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun, has dismantled a notorious gunrunning syndicate and arrested more than 2,700 suspects linked to various criminal activities over the past month.
These arrests, which include armed robbers, kidnappers, and murder suspects, highlight a significant milestone in the force’s ongoing efforts to curb violent crime nationwide, according to a statement from the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
The announcement was made on Tuesday by Force spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi through a post on X.
The statement read, “Under the leadership of the 22nd Indigenous Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, the Nigeria Police Force remains steadfast in its commitment to bringing perpetrators of heinous crimes across the country to justice.”
Over the past month, the NPF recorded the arrest of 295 armed robbery suspects, 186 kidnappers, 271 murder suspects, and 71 individuals found in unlawful possession of firearms. Additionally, 199 suspects linked to sexual offenses, 143 involved in cultism, and 1,575 others connected to various criminal activities were apprehended.
The force also seized 185 firearms, 4,087 rounds of ammunition of various calibers, 111 stolen vehicles, and rescued 129 kidnapped victims.
Among the recent successes is the dismantling of a gunrunning syndicate operating in the Bauchi-Plateau region. The suspects, including the syndicate’s leader, Taimako Mato, who previously worked as a weapon instructor in a Boko Haram camp, were apprehended with a PKT Machine Gun, 40 rounds of 37.2mm, and 95 rounds of 62mm cartridge ammunition.
The Inspector General of Police reassured the public that the force remains dedicated to ensuring the safety of lives and property through innovative crime-fighting strategies. He also urged citizens to support the police’s efforts to create a safer Nigeria.
The statement concluded by reaffirming the NPF’s commitment to professionalism and the rule of law in carrying out its duties.
Gunrunning remains a significant challenge in Nigeria, particularly in regions affected by insurgency and violent crimes, where criminal groups and insurgents rely on illicit arms trafficking to sustain their operations.
