Kogi Police Arrest 239 Criminals, Recover Dangerous Weapons in Major Crackdown
Statewide Security Operation Nets Suspects Across Multiple Crime Categories
In a significant blow to criminal elements operating in Kogi State, the Police Command has apprehended 239 suspects involved in various illegal activities, including kidnapping, armed robbery, and violent crimes. The operation has also led to the recovery of a substantial cache of dangerous weapons.
Breakdown of Arrests and Recovered Items
Kogi State Commissioner of Police, CP Miller Dantawaye, revealed the details during a press briefing on Tuesday, outlining the Command’s comprehensive security strategy. The arrests include:
- 66 suspected armed robbers
- 75 suspected kidnappers
- 18 homicide suspects
- 21 individuals for unlawful firearm possession
- 21 rape suspects
- 6 cultism suspects
- 49 others involved in various serious crimes
Weapons Seized in Operations
The security operations yielded an impressive arsenal of recovered weapons:
- 5 AK-47 rifles and 2 AK-49 rifles
- 9 magazines with 344 rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition
- 62 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition
- 2 rounds of 7.62x59mm ammunition
- Various locally made firearms and other dangerous weapons
Enhanced Police Training and Community Engagement
CP Dantawaye emphasized the Command’s commitment to continuous improvement, stating: “We have commenced training our personnel to enhance their mental and operational capacity for better service delivery. Participants of Course 7 in the ongoing Refresher Combat Operation Training Exercise graduated recently.”
The police strategy includes:
- Intensive highway patrols
- Raids on criminal hideouts and black spots
- Aggressive stop-and-search operations
- Implementation of community policing initiatives
Call for Public Cooperation
The Commissioner appealed to all residents, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, and various community groups, to support security efforts: “I urge all Kogites to give their maximum support in the fight against criminality. We need cooperation and understanding in the interest of public safety.”
For more crime-related news, read: Police arrest two high-profile suspects for cybercrime, investment fraud
Credit: Nigerian Tribune