By John Ogunsemore
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) said it is not insensitive to the kidnapping of students in Imo State as alleged in some quarters.
Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said this in a Wednesday statement.
On Tuesday, the management of the Federal University of Technology (FUTO) issued a security alert following recent kidnappings near the university’s main gate.
Speaking through the office of the Registrar, Chiedozie Uba, the university management expressed concern over the spate of kidnapping incidents along the Obinze-Ihiagwa Road, which occurs early in the morning and late in the evening.
In Wednesday’s statement, the police spokesman highlighted operational successes recorded in the force’s efforts to boost national security and ensure the safety of every citizen.
Adejobi said the police have conducted several operations across the country, tackling all forms of crime and criminality, particularly in Owerri, Imo State.
“In recent happenings, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Imo State Command, have recorded several milestones of operational success in the fight against all forms of crime in the state, particularly kidnapping.
“Some of these achievements include the arrest of five (5) suspects linked to kidnappings in Obinze, Avu, and Ihiagwa, and the rescue of the kidnapped victim.
“The suspects identified as Umaru Usman, 40, from Mauree in Sokoto; Tukur Yau, 25, from Dawakinkudur in Kano State; Musbau Sabo, 18, from Warsaw LGA in Kano State; Abdul Ibrahim, 30, from Sokoto State; and Jubrin Idris, 35, from Sokoto State, were arrested on the 21st of August 2024 in Avu, Imo State,” Adejobi said.
The FPRO said another groundbreaking achievement was the arrest of one Nwauba Alex, a 25-year-old male from Ezza LGA, Ebonyi State on August 21.
“The suspect was arrested while attempting to rob two residents at gunpoint near Aladinma Primary School, Owerri.
“Recovered from the suspect were: one locally made pistol, two rounds of live ammunition, and torchlights.
“The Nigeria Police remains relentless in its efforts to combat these heinous acts and reiterates commitment towards bolstering security measures,” he stated.
Adejobi restated the commitment of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, to the emplacement of both proactive and reactive measures aimed against these crimes.