The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has apprehended 23 individuals involved in various criminal activities, including armed robbery, kidnapping, and cultism, during the Christmas period. The arrests were made as part of the police’s heightened security measures to ensure public safety and security during the festive season.
According to a statement released by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the arrests were made following a series of coordinated operations across the country, fulfilling the directive of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to implement robust anti-crime strategies during the holiday period.
On Christmas Day, police operatives in Lagos State responded swiftly to a distress call at around 1 a.m. reporting a group of armed hoodlums operating in the Safejo area of Amukoko. The operatives arrested three suspects—Emmanuel Okoli (20), Ogunde Tejiri (20), and Emmanuel Orji (18)—who were allegedly involved in robbing innocent fun seekers in the area. The police also recovered weapons used in the attacks and are continuing efforts to capture other members of the gang.
In Kaduna State, at approximately 8 p.m. on Christmas Day, police operatives from the Saminaka Division arrested Sule Muhammad (25), a suspected kidnapper with a fabricated AK-47 rifle. Muhammad, a member of a notorious kidnapping gang, had been evading arrest since August 2024. His arrest has led to ongoing efforts to apprehend other gang members and recover additional weapons.
The police also reported similar operations in Delta, Ogun, Katsina, Benue, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and Imo, where several suspects were arrested for various crimes during the Christmas celebrations.
IGP Egbetokun commended the police officers for their vigilance and commitment to public safety, praising their dedication in safeguarding communities during the holiday season. He urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to authorities, assuring citizens that the NPF is fully committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment throughout the festivities.
“As the celebrations continue, the Nigeria Police Force remains steadfast in its mission to protect all citizens and ensure that the spirit of festivities during this period remains unmarred by criminal activities,” the IGP concluded.
