Nigeria Police Force says over 30,313 persons were arrested in connection with various crimes across the nation in 2024, with 1,581 kidnapped rescued.

Olumuyiwa Adejobi in a news release few minutes ago, the Force said 1,984 firearms and 23,250 ammunition were recovered in the year under review.

Details of the news release and other previous media information made available to the public by the Force Public Relations unit read verbatim below:

“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, held a strategic meeting today Tuesday 24th December, 2024, with senior police officers of the Nigeria Police Force.

The meeting, which took place at the Goodluck Ebele Peacekeeping Hall, Force Headquarters Abuja, served as a platform for reviewing the achievements of the Force in the year 2024 while outlining strategic plans for innovation and adaptability as the Force prepares for the challenges of the coming year.

In his remarks, the IGP acknowledged the hard work and dedication displayed by police officers throughout the year, particularly the significant accomplishments in crime reduction and community engagement, noting the importance of collaborative efforts in fostering trust between the police and the public.

In the year under review, the Nigeria Police Force recorded major successes in tackling crime, leading to the arrest of 30,313 suspects for various heinous offences, the recovery of 1,984 assorted firearms, 23,250 rounds of ammunition of varying calibres, and the rescue of 1,581 kidnapped victims.

The IGP emphasized that the Force will prioritize innovation in technology and operational strategies in 2025, learning from experiences and adapting as we move on. The IGP also encouraged senior officers to embrace modern tools and progressive practices that enhance the Force’s effectiveness in crime prevention and investigation.

As the nation approaches the festive season, the Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of IGP Egbetokun, is poised to implement the necessary measures to ensure a peaceful and secure environment for all citizens. The IGP reiterates the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the public, ensuring safety, and fostering a culture of accountability”.

Meanwhile, “the Nigeria Police Force under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun on Monday the 23rd of December 2024, proudly commissioned the Force Insurance Company, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at enhancing the welfare and security of police personnel and their families.

The ceremony took place at the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Peacekeeping Hall, FHQ Abuja, in the presence of key dignitaries, including the Chairman, House Committee on Police Affairs, Honourable Makki Yalleman; Chairman, Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu (Retired) and other notable stakeholders.

The establishment of the Force Insurance Company marks a significant step in the NPF’s commitment to the well-being of its members. The newly formed insurance company will provide comprehensive coverage for police officers, offering benefits that include health insurance, life insurance, and various other financial protection plans tailored to meet the specific needs of law enforcement personnel.

In another development, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun decorated the newly promoted Assistant Inspector-Generals of Police (AIGs) and Commissioners of Police (CPs) with their new ranks amidst cheers from their families, friends, and professional colleagues on Monday 23rd December 2024 at the Goodluck Jonathan Peacekeeping Hall, Force Headquarters, Abuja.

The promotion included the elevation of 10 CPs to the rank of AIG and 17 DCs to the substantive rank of CP. This is sequel to the recent promotion approved by the Police Service Commission.

The newly decorated officers from the rank of CP to AIG include AIG Mustapha Mohammed Bala and AIG Akinwale Adeniran, among others. In addition, the decorated officers from the rank of DCP to CP are CP Adamu Bakori, and CP Abayomi Shogunle, among others.

In attendance was the representative of the Zamfara State Governor, Bala Umar Chafe; the representative of the Ebonyi State Governor, Prince Etta Uka Ude; the representative of the Enugu State Governor, Chukwuka Ugu; the Force Management Team; serving and retired Senior Police Officers, families of promotees and other dignitaries.

The Inspector-General of Police congratulated the newly promoted officers and charged them to discharge the schedules of their new ranks and apply their vast knowledge of policing towards ensuring the safety and security of Nigeria, acting in accordance with the Rule of Law, as the Nigeria Police Force keeps working towards a safer country for all citizenry”.

On the other hand, “the Nigeria Police Force wishes to address a viral fake news story that has emerged, claiming that Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun has instructed citizens to physically assault and throw stones at police officers who request to search their phones.

This claim is entirely false and has no basis in reality. The IGP has not issued any such directive encouraging violence against law enforcement officers. Instead, he has called on citizens to report instances of police misconduct through appropriate channels. This approach underscores the importance of accountability and maintaining the rule of law, rather than resorting to violent actions.

Members of the public are urged to make use of the following Police helplines and contacts to lay complaints whenever necessary: +2347056792065, +2349133333785, +2349133333786, @PoliceNG on X, @ngpolice on Facebook, and @nigeriapoliceforce on Instagram. Citizens can also contact us by mail through; pressforabuja@police.gov.ng and reach us through the police website at npf.gov.ng

Members of the public are advised to remain vigilant against misinformation and verify information through credible sources. The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to fostering a cooperative and trustful relationship between the police and the communities they serve”.

In another related news, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun has directed the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID) to immediately take over the investigation into the unfortunate death of Jimoh Abdulqaudri, who passed away while in police detention in Kwara State on Friday 20th December, 2024.

In a show of commitment to justice and accountability, the IGP visited Kwara State on Sunday 22nd December 2024, where he met with the bereaved family of the deceased. The IGP was received by the Balogun Fulani of Ilorin, Alhaji Sadiq Atiku Fulani, who spoke on behalf of the family.

During the meeting, the IGP expressed his profound condolences and assured the family that no stone would be left unturned in uncovering the circumstances that led to the tragic incident.

The IGP has ordered the FCID to handle the case with utmost diligence and ensure a conclusive and impartial investigation. He further reassured the family and the general public that the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to upholding the highest standards of accountability, professionalism, and respect for human rights.

While reiterating the Force’s zero-tolerance stance on unprofessional conduct among its personnel, the IGP called on all stakeholders to remain calm and allow the due process of law to prevail”.