Christmas: Police Nab 23 Suspected Armed Robbers, Kidnappers, Others

The Nigeria Police Force said its operatives across the country apprehended suspected armed robbers, cultists and hoodlums targeting fun-seekers and engaging in gangsterism during the Christmas celebrations.

Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi disclosed in a statement that the efforts of operatives led to the arrest of the suspects in various locations during the Christmas period.

He noted the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun to commands and formations to place unalloyed anti-crime strategies towards ensuring adequate safety and security during this Christmas period.

According to Adejobi, “On the 25th of December 2024, at about 1am, 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.

“The swift response by the police operatives to the scene led to the arrest of 3 of the suspected hoodlums identified as Emmanuel Okoli ‘m’, 20 years; Ogunde Tejiri ‘m’, 20 years; and Emmanuel Orji ‘m’, 18 years, and also the recovery of the weapons they had used in carrying out robbery attacks on innocent fun-seekers in the area.”

Meanwhile, the police have emplaced intensified searches to apprehend the fleeing members of the gang.

In a similar development, the FPRO said police operatives attached to Saminaka Division of the Kaduna State Command on 25th December 2024, at about 8pm, successfully apprehended one Sule Muhammad ‘m’, 25 years, who has been accused to be actively involved in multiple kidnapping incidents within the Saminaka area.

He added that further investigations 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,” Adejobi said.

In the same vein, the police spokesman said commendable efforts of the operatives have also been witnessed in Delta, Ogun Katsina, Benue, FCT and Imo states, leading to the arrests of several suspects in various locations during the Christmas celebration.

Adejobi said IGP Egbetokun has commended the officers involved in these operations for their vigilance and commitment to public safety, highlighting their display of exemplary dedication to safeguarding the communities, especially during this joyful season.

Hence, the IGP urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.

“The IGP further assures citizens that the Force is fully committed to creating a safe environment for everyone as they partake in the joy and cheer of the holiday season,” the statement read.

The spokesperson reiterated that as the celebrations continue, the Nigeria Police Force remains steadfast in its mission to protect all citizens and ensure that the spirit of festivities during this period remains unmarred by criminal activities.