Policeman patrol the street during gubernatorial elections, in Kaduna, Nigeria, Thursday, April 28, 2011. Small crowds of voters nervously cast ballots Thursday in two states in oil-rich Nigeria hit hard by religious rioting that killed at least 500 people following the nation’s presidential election. (AP
The Edo State police Command has said it arrested 87 suspected kidnappers in January as operatives intensified offensive against violent crimes across the state, rescuing 30 kidnapped victims.
The Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, disclosed this on Friday at the Command’s end-of-the-month press conference in Benin City, describing the feat as part of sustained intelligence-led operations targeting criminal hideouts in forests and flashpoints across Edo North and Edo Central.
Agbonika said the Command, supported by helicopter surveillance and newly deployed drone technology, carried out coordinated bush-combing exercises, night raids, highway nipping points and sting operations that led to the dismantling of several kidnappers’ camps.
He noted that the operations were conducted in synergy with the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Department of State Services, Edo State Security Corps and local hunters.
”Beyond kidnapping-related arrests, 13 suspected murder suspects, 14 suspected armed robbers and 15 suspected cultists were also apprehended within the period under review,” the CP stated.
According to him, the Command further recovered six stolen vehicles, three stolen motorcycles and 39 stolen phones.
A cache of arms and ammunition, including AK-47 rifles, fabricated rifles, cut-to-size single-barrelled shotguns, Dane guns, pistols and live cartridges, were also seized during the operations.
“Every weapon recovered is a life potentially saved. Every suspect arrested is a criminal network disrupted,” Agbonika added.
He commended the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, for approving the deployment of police helicopters and tactical intelligence support.
The CP also appreciated Governor Monday Okpebholo for donating drones and logistics, which he said significantly enhanced real-time aerial reconnaissance.
