The Nigeria Police Force has achieved a significant breakthrough in the fight against crime, with the apprehension of 54 suspects involved in various criminal activities such as kidnapping and armed robbery. This commendable operation, led by the Department of Force Intelligence Response Team (DFI-IRT), resulted in the recovery of a substantial cache of illicit items.
During a press briefing and suspect parade in Abuja, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, revealed the remarkable success. He stated, 'A total of 54 suspects were arrested by the gallant operatives of DFI-IRT and DFI-STS, some of whom are already facing prosecution in court for the various cases for which they have been indicted.'
The seizures included 92 firearms of various calibers, 760 live ammunitions, 120 magazines, two improvised explosive devices (IEDs), one suicide belt, 14 exhibit vehicles, one forged document, and an astonishing sum of fake currency totaling $970,000 US Dollars. These items have been marked as crucial evidence for the prosecution of various cases.
Notably, among the arrested suspects were five key individuals connected to the kidnapping of Swiss national Diego Tanner. The suspects were identified as Nneka Okparaf, Emu Larry Chidiebere, Babatunde Femi, Williams Banjo Omotayo, and Samuel Balogun.
Adejobi highlighted the circumstances of the kidnapping, which occurred on May 30, 2023, and the subsequent release of Mr. Tanner after a ransom payment of 2000 euros. He praised the dedication and technological prowess of the IRT operatives, who effectively utilized the Nigeria Police Force's ICT apparatus to arrest all five principal suspects. This operation also led to the recovery of crucial evidence, including firearms and ammunition.
The Nigeria Police Force continues to demonstrate its commitment to combating crime and ensuring the safety and security of the public.
