Forces at Work! Police Recovers 834 Arms, 19,009 Live Ammunition in Two Months
The Nigeria Police Force revaled it has recovered 834 arms, 19,009 live ammunition, two rocket launchers, and other exhibits in the last two months.
The Force also said a total of 2,175 suspects have been arrested for kidnapping, armed robbery, murder and cultism since the launch of Operation Puff Adder.
According to a statement by the Force Spokesman, DCP Frank Mba, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Mohammed Adamu disclosed this while addressing a delegation of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) from Nasarawa State Chapter, led by Alhaji Aminu Muazu Maifata who paid him Sallah visit in his official quarters in Abuja.
Briefing the delegation of the successes recorded in the fight against crime and criminality in the country, the IGP also stated that since the launch of Operation Puff Adder on 5th April 2019, till date, a total number 63 Kidnapped victims were rescued unhurt by Police Operatives.
Giving a breakdown of the various offences they were arrested for, the Police chief said: “2,175 suspects were arrested for the following offences: kidnapping – 852, armed robbery – 865, murder – 359 and cultism –99.
With respect to arms recovery, the IGP noted that 834 arms, including two rocket launchers were recovered, 19,009 live ammunition were also recovered with Oyo State recording the highest number of 9,500 live ammunition.
The IGP stated that the Police are rejigging their strategies to ensure proactive interception of illicit weapons destined to Nigeria and at the same time mop up unauthorized weapons in circulation.
The IGP also hinted that a good number of the cases are already being prosecuted in courts across the country, while many of the cases are still under active investigation owing largely to the complexity of investigating and managing organized crimes.
Following the spate of the various crimes across the country, the IGP also advocated for tougher laws against kidnapping and banditry including possible state seizure of assets linked to illicit proceeds from kidnapping and other heinous crimes.
The IGP said he believes the law will act as a strong deterrent to potential kidnappers and other violent criminals.
He explained that the call has become imperative because of the increasingly daring resort to these forms of crimes by criminal elements in the society.
While commending his men for a good job, the IGP stated that the mind-boggling size of the arrests and arms recovered so far is a testament to the efficacy of Operation Puff Adder and to the unwavering support of the public to the Nigeria Police and other security agencies.