The Nigeria Police Force says its operatives across several states in the country have arrested at least 22 armed robbers, kidnappers, cultists and hoodlums targeting fun seekers and engaging in gangsterism during Christmas celebrations.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi made this known in a statement made available to reporters on Friday.
The statement explained that at about 1 a.m. on Christmas Day, the police operatives attached to Lagos State Command, received a distress call that a group of hoodlums armed with dangerous weapons was operating around the Safejo area of Amukoko, Lagos State.
He said the swift response by the police operatives to the scene led to the arrest of three suspects identified as Emmanuel Okoli, Ogunde Tejiri, and Emmanuel Orji.
The Force PRO said the weapons the suspects were using to carry out their robbery attacks on innocent fun seekers in the area were recovered.
He noted that the police have intensified searches to apprehend the fleeing members of the gang.
In a similar development, police operatives attached to Saminaka Division of the Kaduna State Command at about 8 p.m. the same day, successfully arrested one Sule Muhammad who has been actively involved in multiple kidnapping incidents within the Saminaka area.
The police said further investigation led to the recovery of a fabricated AK-47 rifle from the suspect.
“The suspect confessed to being a member of a notorious kidnapping gang who had been evading arrest since the arrest of other gang members on August 16, 2024, until his recent arrest on 25th December 2024.
“Following cooperation received from Muhammad, efforts are in top gear to apprehend other members of his gang and recover more arms and ammunition in their identified camp.
“Commendable efforts of the Nigeria Police Operatives have also been witnessed in states including Delta, Ogun Katsina, Benue, FCT and Imo, leading to the arrests of several suspects in various locations during the Christmas celebration period.
“The IGP has commended the officers involved in these operations for their vigilance and commitment to public safety, highlighting their display of exemplary dedication in safeguarding our communities, especially during this joyful season.
“The IGP urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities,” the statement added.
