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.”