The Nigeria Police Force Intelligence Department Tactical Teams paraded 67 suspects on Tuesday. The arrests were made in connection with various crimes, including kidnapping, gunrunning, one-chance robbery, armed robbery, and banditry across the nation.
Among those paraded were three individuals identified as Ahmed Sulaimon, Balikisu Aliyu, and Aboki Samuel, who have been linked to the Christmas Eve attack on 15 villages in Plateau State. This brutal assault resulted in the tragic death of over 150 people, with approximately 221 houses destroyed and over 10,000 residents displaced.
According to Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the suspects were apprehended with a significant cache of weapons. Adejobi stated, “Upon their arrest, one AK-47 rifle, one AK-49 rifle, 1000 rounds of live ammunition, and 5 magazines were recovered from them.”
The police operation also yielded substantial results, including the confiscation of 5,454 rounds of live ammunition of various calibers, 300 live cartridges, 50 empty ammunition shells, 68 rifles, and 33 ATM cards, among other items.
Adejobi emphasized the commitment of the Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, to combat crimes and criminality nationwide. He stated, “The IG reiterates the commitment of the police to ensuring the safety and security of our citizens by relentlessly cracking down on criminals and criminally related activities and will continue to work tirelessly to ensure Nigeria is a safe space for everyone.”
The three suspects linked to the Christmas Eve attack are currently in police custody and are assisting with the ongoing investigation. The police have vowed to continue their efforts to maintain the safety and security of citizens, sending a strong message against criminal activities across the country.
