The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), says it has arrested a total of 5,488 suspects in parts of the country and rescued 170 kidnapped victims between June and July 2025.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, disclosed this on Tuesday while addressing police officers at a theor strategic conference in Abuja.
He said the suspects were arrested for a variety of offences, including kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, homicide, cybercrime, human trafficking, and violent assault.
He added that the police recovered 316 firearms, 2,884 rounds of ammunition, and 216 stolen or unregistered vehicles, while 170 kidnapped victims were rescued.
Giving details of the arrest, the IGP said in Kogi State, the police foiled a kidnap attempt along the Obajana–Oshokoshoko axis and safely rescued 24 victims.
He said, “In Benue State, targeted raids led to the arrest of arms traffickers and the seizure of multiple AK-47 rifles, a rocket launcher, and over 2,000 rounds of live ammunition.
“In Edo State, a joint operation dismantled a kidnap ring and rescued 14 victims, while in Taraba, officers responded swiftly to an ambush on a bus and secured the release of 17 passengers”.
He said further that the rescue of 46 trafficked Ghanaians and the arrest of seven suspects, following a complaint from Accra, was due to international collaboration with Nigeria’s Interpol National Central Bureau.
“In Jigawa, a cybercrime syndicate was taken down in Birnin Kudu, with thousands of counterfeit US dollars and several electronic fraud devices recovered,” he added.
The IGP commended the teamwork among intelligence units and the bravery of operatives, highlighting that each individual and success story signifies lives saved and public trust gained.
He also outlined ongoing initiatives to reform police operations and enhance personnel welfare.
Egbetokun described the conference as a vital platform for realigning strategies, renewing values, and strengthening the collective resolve of the force.
He noted that, Nigeria’s security environment is rapidly changing, with threats, reaching beyond geography and ideology to include digital and transnational dangers.
This, according to him, requires a new policing model—one that is coordinated, intelligence-led, technology-driven, and firmly rooted in community trust.
He stressed that the police must continue to adapt, innovate, and respond swiftly, with discipline and a respect for the rule of law.
The IGP also lamented the poor condition of retired police personnel under the Contributory Pension their post-service life as degrading and unfair as many of them cannot afford healthcare, housing, or basic necessitie.
He lamented that the situation has led to a wave of anxiety among active officers who now fear retirement rather than anticipate it.
Egbetokun reiterated that the Force’s stance, shared by both serving and retired officers, remains consistent.
He urged officers to remain calm and patient, stressing that the Force is engaging at the highest level of government to find a dignified and lasting solution.
The IGP warned against external actors attempting to hijack the pension protests for political or personal gain.
He called on retired officers to “hold the line,” as their voices have been heard and their sacrifices acknowledged.
He announced that officers who receive the IGP’s Award for Exceptional Professionalism in two consecutive cycles will be considered for accelerated promotion.
This, according to him, is a aimed at creating a culture where excellence is not only recognised but rewarded meaningfully.
Egbetokun reminded the officers that their leadership is demonstrated by daily behaviour, not by rank or title and urged them to lead by example, uphold high standards, and foster a culture of accountability and innovation within their commands.
He added that the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to protecting lives, upholding justice, and maintaining national unity.
