Police Arrest Over 5,955 Suspects, Rescue 826 In 2019

The Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, says no fewer than 5,955 suspects have been arrested by the police since the beginning of 2019.

He listed those arrested to include suspected armed robbers, kidnappers, murderers, and cultists while over 800 kidnapped persons have been rescued within the period.

Professor Osinbajo made the disclosure on Monday in Lagos at a conference and retreat for strategic leadership officers of the Nigeria Police Force.

He said, “Locally in the past one year alone, the Nigeria Police has between January and this month (October) arrested over 2,348 armed robbery suspects, over 1,400 suspected kidnappers, 694 murder suspects, 1,513 cultists, and safely rescued over 826 kidnap victims, recovered 1,660 firearms and 1,612 vehicles stolen or used for crime are now in the safe custody of the Police Force.”

The vice president commended the police for their efforts at keeping Nigeria safe, saying the people were proud of the work they do.

He regretted that many of the personnel paid the supreme price in the course of duty, while fighting robbers, kidnappers, and other criminals.

Osinbajo was also sad that many have been maimed for life and their families have had to deal with their incapacity.

In spite of this, he was delighted that men and women of the police force go out at all times with exceptional bravery, often beyond the call of duty.