The Nigeria Police Force has intensified its efforts to combat crime and enhance national security through intelligence-driven strategies.
The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi in a statement said these measures have recently led to the arrest of a cop-killer, the dismantling of a child-trafficking syndicate, and the recovery of illicit arms and ammunition.
In a significant breakthrough on November 1, 2024, operatives from the Force Intelligence Bureau Intelligence Response Team apprehended Ogaga Dickson, a 35-year-old suspected member of a notorious armed robbery gang.
The gang was allegedly responsible for the death of CSP Hassan Jega, the Divisional Police Officer of Agbarho Division, Delta State.
CSP Jega was killed in a gun battle on October 14, 2024, after leading a team of officers to thwart a robbery operation. During the operation to arrest Ogaga, police recovered one AK-47 rifle, an English pistol, a locally made pistol, assorted ammunition, and six exotic vehicles.
“This arrest demonstrates our commitment to ensuring justice for our fallen colleague and maintaining the safety of Nigerians,” said ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer.
In another operation on December 2, 2024, police operatives uncovered a child-trafficking syndicate led by Pastor Dayo Bernard of the End Time Army Ministry in Bukuru, Plateau State. Five children aged between 2 and 4, abducted from various homes in Jos, were rescued during the operation.
Other suspects linked to the syndicate include Rita Agboeze, Victoria Ugwu, Nanman Puntel, and Peter Ukwuani.
According to police reports, Pastor Bernard confessed to abducting and selling 13 children at varying prices. All the rescued children have been reunited with their families through the Plateau State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.
“This operation sends a clear message that the police will not relent in dismantling criminal networks that threaten the safety of our citizens,” ACP Adejobi stated.
Additionally, in line with the Inspector General of Police’s directive to mop up illicit arms, the FID-IRT operatives have successfully recovered 14 AK-47 rifles during recent operations.
“These recoveries underscore the Nigeria Police Force’s dedication to combating crime and improving national security,” said Adejobi.
