NPF rescue 1,581 abducted victims, arrested 30,313 criminal suspects in 2024
NPF rescue 1,581 abducted victims, arrested 30,313 criminal suspects in 2024
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has unveiled its performance report for 2024, highlighting significant achievements in crime prevention and suspect apprehension.
At a year-end briefing attended by top police leadership, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun shared that, over the past year, the force successfully rescued 1,581 kidnapped individuals and arrested 30,313 suspects involved in various criminal activities.
The IGP reported, “Throughout 2024, the NPF made notable strides in combating serious crimes such as kidnapping, cultism, murder, rape, armed robbery, and illegal firearm possession. Our efforts resulted in the capture of over 30,000 suspects and the recovery of substantial criminal assets, including 1,984 firearms, 23,250 rounds of ammunition, and 1,438 stolen vehicles.”
He also emphasized the NPF’s intensified actions in combating kidnapping, revealing a major success in a daring rescue operation.
“One of our significant successes occurred on June 30, 2024, in Ogun State, where we rescued one Nigerian citizen and three Indian nationals.
Despite being ambushed by gunfire, our officers bravely rescued the victims, neutralizing two kidnappers during the operation,” the IGP noted.
In addition to the fight against traditional crime, Egbetokun highlighted the police’s growing success in tackling cybercrime, underscoring the force’s comprehensive approach to securing the nation.
“Detectives uncovered a major fraud operation, recovering N3.9 billion and arresting individuals linked to a multi-bank scam,” the police boss added. “In November, a coordinated raid led to the capture of 130 suspects, including 113 foreign nationals, involved in global cybercrime operations.”
Though there have been concerns about the welfare of police officers, the IGP said that “remained a top priority”.
Egbetokun said, “The launch of the Nigeria Police Insurance Company aims to improve our officers’ insurance and welfare packages. Over N12 billion in insurance payouts have been distributed to 4,223 beneficiaries of the NPF Group Life Insurance Scheme.
“We are committed to ensuring robust security throughout the holiday period, with heightened vigilance to protect lives and property.”
