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Insecurity: IGP expresses worry over 537 murder cases in 8 weeks

By Francesca Hangeior
The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, said yesterday the police has in the last eight weeks, recorded 537 murder cases.
The IGP, who described the trend as worrying, also said the police recorded 141 cases of terrorism/secessionist attacks; 26 cases of armed robbery; 214 cases of kidnapping, and 39 cases of unlawful possession of firearms.
Egbetokun, who spoke at a strategic meeting with Zonal AIGs and State’s Command Police Commissioners at Force headquarters, equally disclosed that nine suspects who were directly involved in the killing of 6 police officers in the forest at Ohoror in Ughelli LGA of Delta State have been apprehended and were currently assisting in unravelling the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incident.
He said: “Also, during the period under review, the Nigeria Police Force arrested 3,685 suspects for their participation in various crimes, while the police rescued 401 kidnapped victims. The police recovered 216 firearms; 3,601 ammunition and 82 vehicles.”
Regarding the killing of policemen in Ughelli, he said: “Undoubtedly, we are closing in on the key actors and other parties to the crime.
“Be assured that we will not rest on our oars until the murder of our colleagues are avenged with justice.”
The IGP emphasized that policing in Nigeria was an endeavour fraught with complexities and obstacles, ranging from insurgent activities and armed banditry to varying other criminal syndicates and communal clashes.
“In the process, some of our gallant officers and men have paid the supreme price whilst several others are still grappling with various degrees of injuries sustained in the unending battles with men of the underworld.
“The abduction and killing of six of our personnel during a Special Operation at Evil Forest, Ughelli North LGA of Delta State, on 26th February, 2024 is a sore testament to the hazards confronting us every day as we strive to keep our country safe.
”The entire Police family is deeply pained by the heinous act of violence against our officers in the ordinary course of their duties. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the fallen officers during this difficult time.
I like to firmly reiterate that we will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the killers of these personnel, and many others, do not escape the long arms of the law.
“It is gratifying to note that in the face of these formidable challenges, the Nigeria Police Force has shown unwavering commitment and dedication to its mandate across the Federation.
“We pray that God Almighty will grant eternal repose to the souls of our departed colleagues and comfort their families and friends.
“In the same vein, we pray for the quick recovery of all the injured officers and men. May I seize this opportunity to reiterate that we are committed to giving them all the necessary support they require in their convalescence journey.
“In this respect, I am pleased to note that we have made significant progress in the investigation into the tragic incident.
“In the meantime, we will continue to meet our obligations to their families in order to minimize their pains and sufferings during this period.
“On the flip-side, we will continue to strive for excellence by being more proactive in our policing approach.
“Our responses to the current internal security threats require strategic deployments that are not only proactive but also technology and intelligence-driven.
“Through meticulous analysis of available information, we shall endeavour to pre-empt criminal activities, disrupt their illicit networks, and apprehend perpetrators swiftly.”
News
Abuja raid attack: Three NDLEA officers sustain gunshot injuries, hospitalized

Three officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have been hospitalized for gunshot injuries sustained after they came under attack from some armed men during a raid operation in Jahi area of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja on Thursday night.
The incident occurred when a team of NDLEA operatives acting on intelligence and surveillance report raided an uncompleted building at NNPC area of Jahi where 74 bottles of codeine, 10 litres of codeine syrup, 48grams of tramadol 225mg and 4.9kilograms of skunk, a strain of cannabis, as well as five android phones were recovered.
As the NDLEA team made their way out of the location, they came under gun attack.
Three of the NDLEA personnel involved in the raid sustained gunshot injuries: one in the rib and two others on their back and leg.
The wounded officers were initially stabilized at the Police Clinic in Garki Area 1 before they were transferred to the National Hospital Abuja for further medical attention.
Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) expressed appreciation to the staff of the Police Clinic for their prompt support. He also thanked the Chief Medical Director of the National Hospital who was personally reached by him for overseeing the treatment of the wounded officers.
The NDLEA boss who is in Kano on official engagements also spoke on phone with the injured officers to wish them quick recovery. He assured them that the Agency will deploy every means at its disposal and work in collaboration with other security agencies to fish out those responsible for the attack on them.
News
Tinubu preaches hope at Easter gives directive to military to end insecurity

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday asked Christians in the country to use the Holy Week and Easter to reflect on the enduring values of sacrifice, redemption, love, and hope.
The President made the call in a message he signed on Good Friday, two days to the Easter celebrations.
According to Tinubu, he was saddened by the recent insecurity in the country. He also directed security operatives to decisively end the insecurity without delay.
“The recent tragic incidents and the loss of lives in some parts of our country deeply saddened me. I understand the pain and fear these incidents have caused. Let me assure you that my administration’s resolve to restore peace and security remains unshakable. Forces of evil will never prevail over our country,” Tinubu said.
I have given clear directives to the Armed Forces and all relevant security agencies to end insecurity decisively and without delay. With the unwavering courage and commitment of our gallant men and women in uniform, we are turning the tide and making steady progress in reclaiming peace and stability.
“As President of our blessed nation, I draw inspiration from this timeless message of hope and renewal. I remain steadfast in my commitment to delivering the promise of a Renewed Hope, a better, more just, and prosperous Nigeria for all.
“The Holy Week, which spans Palm Sunday through Holy Thursday and Good Friday and culminates in Easter Sunday, calls us to reflect deeply on the enduring values of sacrifice, redemption, love, and hope.”
“I have given clear directives to the Armed Forces and all relevant security agencies to end insecurity decisively and without delay. With the unwavering courage and commitment of our gallant men and women in uniform, we are turning the tide and making steady progress in reclaiming peace and stability.
“As President of our blessed nation, I draw inspiration from this timeless message of hope and renewal. I remain steadfast in my commitment to delivering the promise of a Renewed Hope, a better, more just, and prosperous Nigeria for all.
“The Holy Week, which spans Palm Sunday through Holy Thursday and Good Friday and culminates in Easter Sunday, calls us to reflect deeply on the enduring values of sacrifice, redemption, love, and hope.”
The President also expressed gratitude to Nigerians for their “patience and resilience as our economy begins to show encouraging signs of recovery.”
“We understand the economic challenges many of you are facing, and we are working tirelessly to restore investor confidence, stabilise key sectors, and build an inclusive economy that serves the interests of all Nigerians.
“During this Easter, we join the global Christian community in thanking God for Pope Francis’s recovery. We pray that his renewed strength continues to inspire his leadership and service to humanity.
“I earnestly pray that Easter’s spirit fills every heart and home with renewed faith in the immense possibilities ahead of us as a nation. Just as Christ triumphed over death, so too shall our country triumph over every challenge we face. The present moment may be cloudy, but it will usher in a glorious day,” he added.
News
Easter: HoR Minority Caucus celebrates with Christians, urges love, peace, national cohesion, calls for end to killings nationwide

The Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives congratulates the entire Christian community in Nigeria, as they join others around the world on the occasion of this year’s Easter celebrations; marking the end of the Lenten period.
This was contained in a statement jointly signed by leaders of the caucus, Rep Kingsley Chinda, Leader, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ali Isa J.C
(Minority Whip) Rt. Hon. Aliyu Madaki , (Deputy Minority Leader)
Rt. Hon. George Ozodinobi
(Deputy Minority Whip) stating that:
” Indeed, Easter is a very unique, and sacred time for every Christian faithful, as it is of significance following the successful completion of the 40-day fasting; which is one of the cardinal tenets of Christianity.
“As our Christian brethren across the country join others around the world to mark this auspicious day; and confident that God Almighty has accepted all prayers and supplications during this time, the Caucus admonish all to sustain the teachings, practice, and lessons of the Lenten period which embodies spiritual, personal, and leadership growth. More importantly, it is necessary to deepen the pivotal messages of the Easter celebrations which are anchored on renewal of faith, resilience and re-invigoration of good deeds, forgiveness of wrong doings, expression of love, joy, and peace to one another, and fostering of compassion, and empathy to all mankind.
“Given our commitment to the preservation and protection of the lives of all Nigerians, and the need to ensure good governance, the Caucus calls on the Federal Government to tackle, headlong the disturbing trend of wanton killings in the country.
“The resumed cases of violence, maiming, kidnapping, and bloodletting in Plateau, Benue, and other parts of the country, portends serious dangers to meaningful growth and development.
“It is appropriate to call on all security agencies to ensure that the negative actions and vicious activities of this group of marauders are comprehensively curtailed, if not entirely wiped out.
“The Caucus urges Christians (and all other Nigerians) to continually pray for our Leaders; at all levels for the right wisdom, knowledge, and understanding towards navigating the country through multi-sectoral, and multi-layered challenges that are not only limiting the realization of Nigeria’s potentials but throwing our people into immeasurable hardship, debilitating hunger, and corrosive poverty.
“Finally, Easter is not just a period for feasting, but also for reflections, new beginnings, and connection with other people, the Caucus admonishes all Nigerians to constantly emphasize virtues that promote unity, and development above negative tendencies that cause divisiveness.
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