The Nigeria Police Force has launched a fierce crackdown on criminal activities as the festive season approaches, arresting 128 suspected hoodlums in a series of nationwide raids.
The initiative, aimed at ensuring public safety during the Yuletide season, has led to multiple arrests and the recovery of dangerous weapons.
In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, on Tuesday, he confirmed the operation’s success.
The raids, ordered by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, have been carried out across the country to prevent any criminal activities that may disrupt the festive season.
“As the festive season approaches, the Nigeria Police Force remains vigilant and proactive,” ACP Adejobi said.
“We are ramping up efforts to ensure the safety and security of all citizens. Through intensified operations, the Force has achieved significant successes in raids, arrests, and recoveries.”
The efforts have been particularly evident in Lagos State, where police operatives raided multiple criminal hideouts in the Isolo area on December 14, 2024.
During the raid, 43 suspects were arrested, and a range of illegal items were recovered, including large quantities of cannabis, daggers, swords, and fetish objects.
The discovery of such items is a sign of the severe threat posed by criminal gangs in the region.
In another operation on December 15, 2024, police in Isheri Osun, Lagos State, arrested a suspect identified as Charles Orji, who had attempted to steal a Toyota Hilux.
A search of Orji revealed that he was carrying seven different Toyota car keys, raising suspicions of his involvement in a larger car theft operation.
Police operatives across other states, including Kaduna, Zamfara, Taraba, Edo, Delta, Benue, and Niger, have also been working tirelessly to curb criminal activities.
The nationwide security measures are aimed at protecting citizens and maintaining public order during the holiday season.
“As we enter the final stretch of the festivities, the Nigeria Police Force assures citizens of its commitment to deterring crime and protecting lives and property,” ACP Adejobi assured the public.
The police have emphasized the importance of public cooperation in ensuring safety during the holidays.
Adejobi urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the authorities, stressing the Force’s dedication to providing a safe environment for all.
“Security is a shared responsibility, and we urge all citizens to remain observant and contribute to the safety of their communities,” he said.
The raids and arrests are part of the broader efforts by the Nigeria Police Force to tackle rising crime rates across the country, especially during high-risk periods like the festive season.
Police have already seized a variety of dangerous weapons in the raids, signaling the lengths to which criminal elements are willing to go.
The Force is hopeful that the latest operations will serve as a deterrent to those planning to engage in criminal activities during the Yuletide.
While the security situation remains fluid, the police’s heightened presence and coordinated efforts across the country offer some reassurance to the public.
Citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious behavior to the authorities to support the ongoing efforts in maintaining public safety.
This increased vigilance by the police is in line with efforts to ensure that the holiday season is marked by peace and safety for all Nigerians.
