AGS NEWS – The Nigeria Police Force has successfully apprehended 1,284 suspects in a series of nationwide operations over the past six weeks.

The arrests encompass 307 armed robbery suspects, 296 kidnapping suspects, 176 suspects for rape and defilement, 301 homicide suspects, and 204 alleged cultists.

Muyiwa Adejobi, the Police Force’s spokesman, revealed this information on Friday during a press briefing where several suspects were paraded. Adejobi highlighted that 97 kidnapped victims were rescued, and the police recovered 284 firearms and 6,702 rounds of ammunition.

ALSO READ: Imo police arrest 14 suspected cultists

“In the past six weeks, the Nigerian Police Force has arrested 307 armed robbery suspects, 296 kidnapping suspects, 301 homicide suspects, 176 rape and defilement suspects, 204 suspected cultists, and recovered 284 firearms, 6,702 rounds of ammunition, and 107 vehicles. We also rescued 97 kidnapping victims,” Adejobi stated.

In an effort to combat money laundering, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has established a new unit.

Adejobi explained, “With the commitment of the Inspector General and the current leadership of the Nigerian Police Force to support the government’s fight against money laundering, a new anti-money laundering unit has been established at the force headquarters in Abuja, led by C.P. Edoze Azuka. This unit will work closely with other anti-graft agencies.”

He added, “In alignment with Interpol’s mandate to tackle terrorism financing and international crimes, the IGP has carefully selected financial and cybercrime experts for this unit to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.”

Among the 35 suspects paraded were individuals involved in various crimes, including those who broke into a police officer’s residence to steal gold. The recovered items from these suspects include four rifles, two chisels, and motorcycles.

Adejobi detailed the arrest of three suspects involved in the burglary: Yusheu Umaru, 33, Awalu Lawal, 29, and Absalom Sheu.

ALSO READ: Woman wins $1 million lottery twice in 10 weeks

Following extensive investigations, it was revealed that Umaru, a fish trader in Abuja for 15 years, and an accomplice, currently at large, had broken into several houses before targeting the police officer’s residence. They used a car jack to enter the house and stole a safe containing valuables.

“Yusheu Umaru confessed to stealing items and money worth over N60 million, including 14 million naira from his last robbery,” Adejobi disclosed.

He further mentioned that there is a cartel specializing in stealing gold from houses in Abuja, with more than five similar cases recorded.