Police Arrest 721 Suspects, Recover 18 IEDs In Borno

Borno State Police Command, on Tuesday, said it arrested 721 suspects for offences ranging from armed robbery, sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and kidnapping, among others, and recovered 18 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in various areas of Borno State in 2024.

The State’s Commissioner of Police, Yusufu Lawal, disclosed this during the Command’s end-of-year press briefing in Maiduguri, the state capital.

The CP said the successes recorded were in line with the Inspector-General of Police’s vision to achieve a 30% reduction in crime by 2025, adding that the command will sustain robust and proactive policing strategies to ensure that Maiduguri and other towns remain safe and secured.

He commended the state government for its continued support to the Police Command, particularly in the renovation of Police Stations and barrack accommodations in Pulka, Gwoza, Monguno, Lugumani, Banki, and Benisheikh.

“This support will significantly boost the morale of officers and improve service delivery. In the year under review, the command recorded notable successes in combating crime, leading to the arrest of 721 suspects for offences ranging from armed robbery, sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), kidnapping, theft, and other heinous crimes.

“The command also recovered 18 unexploded explosive devices and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), 13 stolen vehicles and tricycles, six firearms, a large cache of drugs, and other illicit substances,” said the CP.

The CP further lauded State governor, Babagana Zulum, for assenting to the Borno State Penal Code Law 2023 and the domestication of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, as well as Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act (VAPP), which have expedited prosecution processes in the State.

CP Lawal assured the people that the command’s priorities in 2025 would align with the state government’s 10-year strategic plan, which focuses on reintegrating displaced communities and building resilience among returnees in their ancestral homes.

“We remain committed to supporting these objectives through targeted and community-focused policing initiatives,” he stated.