The Nigeria Police Force has arrested 5,488 suspects and rescued170 kidnapped victims between June and July 2025.
IGP Olukayode Egbetokun, Inspector-General of Police, disclosed this on Tuesday during the Strategic Police Officers Conference in Abuja, where he praised the courage of officers across the country and outlined ongoing efforts to reform police operations and improve personnel welfare.
Addressing senior police officers from across the country, the IGP described the conference as a crucial platform for realigning strategies, renewing values, and reinforcing the collective resolve of the Force.
Egbetokun acknowledged that Nigeria’s security environment is rapidly evolving, with threats now extending beyond geography and ideology to include digital and transnational dangers.
He noted that this complex landscape demands a new policing model—one that is coordinated, intelligence-led, technology-driven, and deeply rooted in community trust.
He stressed that the Force must continue to adapt, innovate, and respond with speed, discipline, and respect for the rule of law.
The IGP disclosed that within the months of June and July 2025, the police recorded the arrest of 5,488 criminal suspects for a wide range of offences including kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, homicide, cybercrime, trafficking, and violent assault.
He added that the Force recovered 316 firearms, 2,884 rounds of ammunition, and 216 stolen or unregistered vehicles. Notably, 170 kidnapped victims were rescued, many from remote and dangerous areas.
He noted that in Kogi State, police foiled a kidnap attempt along the Obajana–Oshokoshoko axis and safely rescued 24 victims.
“In Benue State, targeted raids led to the arrest of arms traffickers and the seizure of multiple AK-47 rifles, a rocket launcher, and over 2,000 rounds of live ammunition.
“In Edo State, a joint operation dismantled a kidnap ring and rescued 14 victims, while in Taraba, officers responded swiftly to an ambush on a bus and secured the release of 17 passengers”, he stated.
Egbetokun further noted that the rescue 46 trafficked Ghanaians and arrest seven suspects following a complaint from Accra was due to international collaboration with Nigeria’s Interpol National Central Bureau.
“In Jigawa, a cybercrime syndicate was taken down in Birnin Kudu, with thousands of counterfeit US dollars and several electronic fraud devices recovered.
He praised the synergy among intelligence units and the bravery of operatives, emphasizing that each figure and success story represents lives saved and public trust earned.
Turning to the welfare of officers, the IGP delivered an emotional and candid assessment of the dire condition of retired police personnel under the Contributory Pension Scheme.
He described their post-service life as humiliating and unjust, stating that many are unable to afford healthcare, housing, or basic dignity.
According to him, this reality has caused a wave of anxiety among serving officers who now fear retirement rather than look forward to it.
He condemned the misinterpretation of the Police Force’s efforts to explore supplementary pension funding, clarifying that these initiatives were in good faith and not attempts to derail the push for exiting the CPS. Egbetokun reiterated that the Force’s position, shared by both serving and retired officers .
He urged officers to remain calm and patient, revealing that the Force is engaging with top levels of government to find a dignified and lasting solution.
He warned against external actors attempting to hijack the pension agitation for political or personal gain, calling on retired officers to “hold the line,” as their voices have been heard and their sacrifices acknowledged.
As part of efforts to boost morale and recognize excellence, the IGP announced a new welfare incentive as officers who receive the IGP’s Award for Exceptional Professionalism in two consecutive cycles will be considered for accelerated promotion.
This, he said, is a move to create a culture where excellence is not only recognized but rewarded meaningfully.
He called on all police commands to proactively publicize credible operational results to counter misinformation and rebuild public confidence.
According to him, visibility, transparency, and results-driven communication are strategic tools for confidence-building in an era where public perception shapes legitimacy.
Egbetokun reminded the officers that their leadership is defined by daily conduct, not by rank or title.
He urged them to lead by example, enforce high standards, and instill a culture of accountability and innovation across their commands.
The Nigeria Police Force said it remains steadfast in its duty to protect lives, uphold justice, and preserve national unity.
“We will not be deterred. We will not be distracted. And by God’s grace, we will not fail,” he declared.