By John Ogunsemore
The Nigeria Police Force has recovered the sum of N129,542,823,000 in counterfeit currencies in Kano State.
Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.
Giving a breakdown of the recovered sum, he said 3,366,000 in counterfeit US Dollars, 51,970 in counterfeit CFA franc, and 1,443,000 in counterfeit Naira.
He said the sum was recovered on December 8 at Gwale, Kano State, where police operatives acting on credible intelligence accosted one Nura Ibrahim and upon conducting a search, discovered N392,000 counterfeit notes, USD7,800 counterfeit notes and five different ATM cards.
Adejobi said further investigation led to the arrest of his alleged accomplices, Muhammed Muntari, and Usman Abdullahi as well as the recovery of the other counterfeit currencies.
Meanwhile, the police arrested three suspected gunrunners identified as Buhari Suleiman, Jamil Yakubu, and Aliyu Abdullahi, along the Kaduna-Kano expressway, Kaduna State.
Adejobi said the suspects were arrested on December 9 as police intensify efforts against gunrunning and the proliferation of arms in the country.
“The suspects were apprehended after the police operatives noticed their suspicious activities and approached them to question them.
“A subsequent search was conducted, which led to the recovery of 216 rounds of 9mm live ammunition and 1 round of Ak-47 ammunition,” he said.
“Similarly, on the 8th December 2024, police operatives in Kebbi State rescued 36 victims of kidnapping along Mairairai/Bena Road in Danko/Wasagu LGA who were returning from their respective farms.
“As a follow-up to the rescue, police operatives have visited the community to engage its members, debrief the rescued victims, and assure the people of its continuous readiness to ensure their safety and security,” he said.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to combating all forms of crime and criminality, especially economic saboteurs.
He said the force remains vigilant, steadfast, and unforgiving towards those who would threaten the national security and economic progress of the nation.