Eight weeks of data show 141 terror cases and 214 kidnappings - IG

Olukayode Egbetokun, the Inspector-General of Police, announced on Thursday that during the previous eight weeks, the police had received reports of 141 terror incidents, 214 kidnappings, and 537 homicide cases.

Egbetokun stated that 401 abduction victims were freed, while 3,685 suspects were arrested for their roles in a number of crimes.

While answering inquiries from media at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, located in Louis Edet House, Abuja, Egbetokun made these remarks.

He said, “I am pleased to report a substantial advancement, propelled by the execution of diverse strategies aimed at mitigating the escalating trend of criminal activities across the nation after our last conference held on February 8, 2024.

“In the past eight weeks, we recorded 141 cases of terrorism/secessionist attacks, 537 cases of murder, 126 cases of armed robbery, 214 cases of kidnapping, and 39 cases of unlawful possession of firearms.

“Also, during the period under review, the Nigeria Police Force arrested 3,685 suspects for their participation in various crimes, 401 kidnap victims were rescued, 216 various firearms, 3,601 ammunition and 82 vehicles were recovered.

“We have in the last nine months cumulatively presented cheques totalling N7,263,391,051.73 to 2,5143 families of deceased police officers.”

According to the Inspector General, the police will persist in their pursuit of excellence by adopting a more proactive policing strategy.

He said, “Our responses to the current internal security threats require strategic deployments that are not only proactive but also technology and intelligence-driven.

“Through meticulous analysis of available information, we shall endeavour to pre-empt criminal activities, disrupt their illicit networks, and apprehend perpetrators swiftly. It is essential that we remain vigilant and adaptive in our approach, continuously refining our strategies to stay ahead of evolving threats.”