The Nigeria Police Force has announced the arrest of 1246 suspects in one month among which is a major arms dealer operating in Plateau State.
The police in a statement on Wednesday signed by its spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi said the suspect, Jubril Musa was arrested with two rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition (long), one Makarov pistol, one fabricated bronny pistol and a single round of 7.8mm live ammunition.
Other exhibits include two rounds of g3 live ammunition, four rounds of 7.6mm live ammunition (short), and a single round of 9mm live ammunition.
“The suspect further confessed to supplying these various arms and ammunition to bandits and kidnappers operating in the state,” the police said.
The exhibits recovered from the suspect, according to the police, made up a total of 210 firearms, and 3172 ammunition of various calibres recovered from suspects within the period under review.
Giving a breakdown of the arrest, the police said a total of 371armed robbery suspects, 186 kidnapping suspects, 242 Murder/homicide suspects, 63 suspects connected with the unlawful possession of prohibited firearms, 217 rape suspects, and 167 suspected cultists were arrested between October 1 to date.
The statement further noted the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun commitment to enhancing the safety and security of the country, implementing various tactical operations, intelligence-led policing, and community engagement strategies.
“The goal of these initiatives is to establish a substantial decrease in crime rates across the country and the record of significant strides in combating several violent crimes such as banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery, and cybercrime.
“Embracing a multifaceted approach to law enforcement, the Nigeria Police Force remains relentless on the mission of ensuring crimes and criminalities are brought to their lowest in accordance with the Rule of Law, and upholding the highest standards of professionalism in carrying out extant duties of protection of lives and properties,” the police said.