Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on Tuesday reported that the Nigeria Police Force had made significant strides in combating crime, arresting a total of 30,313 suspects linked to various offenses, including kidnapping, armed robbery, murder, rape, cultism, and unlawful possession of firearms.
Egbetokun also highlighted the recovery of 1,984 firearms, 23,250 rounds of ammunition, 1,438 stolen vehicles, and the rescue of 1,581 victims from kidnapping operations across the country.
Speaking during the year-end conference with police strategic managers in Abuja, he acknowledged the security challenges faced by both the Force and the country in 2024, while emphasizing the remarkable successes achieved.
Reflecting on the year, Egbetokun stated, “Reflecting on 2024, it is clear that both the Nigeria Police Force and the country at large faced a range of security challenges, but we also achieved notable successes. We dealt with a variety of internal threats, such as banditry, insurgency, kidnapping, and armed robbery, as well as external threats posed by groups like ISWAP and the Lakurawa terrorists, primarily in the North-West region.”
He continued, “The country also confronted other critical issues, including cultism, drug trafficking, arms trafficking, terrorism financing, money laundering, and cybercrimes, especially among our youth. Protests and civil unrest added to the challenges.”
In a major accomplishment, Egbetokun pointed out that the National Cybercrime Centre had disrupted a large-scale fraud operation, recovering N3.9bn and arresting 130 suspects.
He added, “The NPF-NCCC made considerable strides in cybercrime enforcement. Detectives uncovered a major fraud operation, recovering N3.9bn and arresting individuals linked to a multi-bank scam. In November, a coordinated raid led to the capture of 130 suspects, including 113 foreign nationals, involved in global cybercrime operations.”
Further showcasing the police’s achievements, the IGP also revealed that in December, an operation in Kano State had uncovered counterfeit currencies and fake notes amounting to N129bn.
He emphasized, “In our fight against terrorism financing and money laundering, the Nigeria Police Force took bold steps, including the establishment of the Anti-Money Laundering Unit. On December 8, 2024, operatives in Kano State uncovered counterfeit currencies, and ATM cards, alongside a staggering N129bn in various counterfeit currencies. This operation underscores our determination to combat financial crimes that fuel terrorism and organised criminal activity.”
Highlighting efforts to tackle economic sabotage, Egbetokun noted that the IGP Special Task Force on Petroleum and Illegal Bunkering had intercepted significant amounts of stolen crude oil, AGO, and PMS in July, resulting in the arrest of 17 suspects.
Additionally, the Force Marine Unit had strengthened its maritime security with the introduction of 23 advanced gunboats, which helped in combating smuggling, piracy, and other sea-based crimes.
Egbetokun also stressed the importance of officer welfare, revealing that over N12bn had been paid in insurance to 4,223 beneficiaries of the NPF Group Life Insurance Scheme.
He stated, “The welfare of our officers, both serving and retired, has remained a top priority. The Federal Government’s recent review of the national minimum wage has benefited all public officers, including our police personnel. Additionally, the launch of the Nigeria Police Insurance Company aims to improve our officers’ insurance and welfare packages. Over N12bn in insurance payouts have been distributed to 4,223 beneficiaries of the NPF Group Life Insurance Scheme.”
