From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, on Wednesday, June 4, announced that operatives of the Nigeria Police Force arrested no fewer than 1,774 suspects for murder, kidnapping, cultism, and armed robbery across the country in the past two months, in a sweeping crackdown on criminals terrorising the peace in the country.
The IGP, who made this known at a conference he held with strategic police officers in Abuja, said the successes recorded between April and May 2025 reflect the Force’s increasing operational resilience amid evolving security threats.
He said, “From April to May, we arrested 1,774 suspects involved in various offences, including murder, kidnapping, armed robbery, and cultism.
“We recovered 274 firearms, 2,583 rounds of ammunition, 187 stolen or unregistered vehicles, and rescued 476 kidnapped victims, many from highly difficult terrains.”
Egbetokun, while noting that Nigeria’s security challenges remain “complex and dynamic,” with threats emerging from terrorism, cybercrime, banditry, and transnational organised crime, said: “Nigeria’s security landscape remains complex and dynamic. We are daily confronted with diverse threats; from terrorism and insurgency in parts of the North-East, to armed robbery, banditry, kidnapping, cultism, cybercrime, and other transnational organised crimes. Yet, despite these daunting realities, you have remained resilient, resourceful, and professionally focused.”
The IGP, while calling for renewed vigilance and reform, was emphatic that the battle is far from over, saying, “Our work must be relentless. Criminals continue to evolve, and so must we. This is not the time to relent. We must redouble our crime-fighting efforts, embrace intelligence-led policing, and uphold the highest standards of professionalism.”
He also stressed the need for stronger inter-agency cooperation, enhanced logistical support, and improved community engagement.
“I urge all senior officers to lead by example, inspire their subordinates, and treat every crime as an attack on the soul of our nation.”
Egbetokun addressed growing concerns over police conduct and public perception, warning against the “false narratives” being peddled by “enemies of Nigeria who profit from instability.”
“We will not tolerate police misconduct. I encourage citizens to report any form of abuse or extortion through our official channels. Your feedback is critical to building a truly professional and people-focused police force,” he added.
He reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to the safety and well-being of Nigerians, noting that public trust is growing, albeit cautiously.
“Let our actions speak louder than our uniforms. Let our service reflect the best of Nigerian resilience and sacrifice.”