Over the last three months, 10,852 people have been arrested and held nationally for a variety of offences, according to police in Abuja on Tuesday.
Kidnapping, banditry, and armed robbery were among the offences mentioned by Inspector General of Police Olukayode Egbetokun at a meeting with officials ranked as least as a commissioner.
“The detentions and arrests took place from July to September. In all, 416 weapons, 3,672 rounds of ammunition, 178 vehicles, and 369 abducted people were retrieved at that time”, he said.
He claimed that crime rates in important categories, such as cybercrime, armed robbery, abduction, and banditry, had significantly dropped.
Egbetokun also discussed the Ondo government election preparations, stating that the security force was prepared for the exercise on November 16.
“As we prepare for the upcoming Ondo State off-cycle gubernatorial election, I urge all involved to replicate and build upon the successes recorded in Edo. We must ensure a robust security architecture; officers on duty must perform their duties diligently and with utmost professionalism.
“Our mission is to provide a secured environment where voters can freely exercise their democratic rights without fear or intimidation,” he said.
To ensure the safety of people and property before, during, and following the election, the police chief promised to continue working with other security organisations, the Independent National Electoral Commission, and other interested parties.
To guarantee the safety of people and property during the ember months, Mr Egbetokun stated that patrols would be stepped up in addition to other precautions.
The IGP stated further, “As we continue with the ember months, a time traditionally associated with heightened security challenges, it is imperative that vigilance, enhanced flexibility and proactive policing become more critical.
“Criminal elements frequently exploit this season, necessitating our strategic foresight to stay ahead.
“Our approach should include increased patrols and intelligence-driven and community-oriented operations to ensure public safety throughout the holiday period.”