The Nigeria Police Force has arrested 297 suspects for illegal possession of firearms, recovered at least 520 several-calibre firearms, 4,043 rounds of ammunition, and 264 stolen vehicles since the assumption of the acting Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, to office.
The IG also noted that the NPF would partner with the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies to secure the border against insurgents, especially considering the political situation in the Niger Republic following the military coup.
Egbetokun made these known on Tuesday during a meeting with members of the Police Management Team, including Deputy Inspectors General of Police, Assistant Inspectors General of Police, and Commissioners of Police, at the Goodluck Jonathan Peacekeeping Hall, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
“The police also arrested 986 armed robbery suspects, 377 kidnap suspects, 848 suspects of homicide, 517 suspects of rape and defilement, 874 suspected cultists, and 5281 other suspects for various other offences.
“Also, a total of 363 kidnap victims have been rescued and reunited with their families,” he said.
Noting that there are still prevailing and projected threats across the country, the police chief said the NPF is currently carrying out several anti-banditry operations in the North-East and North-Central regions.
Meanwhile, responding to an inquiry by our correspondent, the IG disclosed that there was a temporary ban on the issuance of gun licences, citing the need to clamp down on the proliferation of the illegal possession of arms in the country.
“We are mopping up arms in circulation. There are too many arms in circulation, and if we continue to issue licences on arms, we may continue to aggravate the problems we are trying to solve.
“For now, there is a temporary ban on the issuance of firearms. We may review it later, but we are not issuing firearms licences nationwide now,” Egbetokun said.
The IG, however, noted that the ban may be reviewed in the future.
Meanwhile, following the recent attack and invasion of government and private facilities in Adamawa State by hoodlums purportedly searching for palliatives, Egbetokun, has ordered tight security around warehouses across the country.
The PUNCH reports that no fewer than five persons were feared killed as thousands of hoodlums invaded government and private warehouses in search of food and other items in Yola, Adamawa State capital, penultimate week.
Also, at least 45 persons were arrested by security agents, who were called in to restore normalcy after Governor Ahamdu Fintiri imposed a 24-hour curfew.
Making the revelations on Tuesday, the IG said the Commissioners of Police in charge of the State Commands are to ensure that such an ugly event does not occur again.
The police chief also revealed plans by the NPF to commence the mobilisation of the operatives for the Police Mobile Force for the Specialised Quick Intervention Squad.
The IG noted that at least 40,000 personnel of the PMF will be drawn from across states and zonal commands for the stated purpose.
The squad, proposed by Egbetokun upon his appointment in June, is aimed at tackling the growing concerns about insecurity across the country.
Meanwhile, the IG also commended the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress for the conduct of their members during the recent nationwide protests over the adverse effect of the fuel subsidy removal.
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