The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has said that one dismissed Nigeria Air Force officer, a civilian and their serving military affiliates have been arrested by operatives of the FID-STS while moving military accoutrements from Kaduna to Zamfara state precisely in Shinkafi LGA to supply to bandits.

The Police also disclosed that in the last two weeks, its operatives attached to Force Tactical Squads have arrested about 72 Suspects, 34 out of which are kidnap suspects, made 22 rescues and several other recoveries.

Parading the suspects at the IRT Headquarters in Abuja, on Tuesday, the Force Spokesperson, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said 10 sets of military camouflage uniforms, 10 pieces of camel pack and many other items have been recovered as exhibits from the suspects.

He also revealed that, while the civilian suspects involved in the criminal acts are detained at the Police facility, as their serving military counterparts are being tried by the military.

According to Adejobi, “On 20/12/2023 at about 1230hrs the operatives of the FID-STS intercepted the movement of military accoutrements from Kaduna to Zamfara state precisely Shinkafi LGA.

“In the process, a spot search was conducted and the following items were recovered; 10 sets of military camouflage uniforms, 10 pieces of camel pack, 12 military hats, 3 cardigans, 3 t-shirts, 2 belts, and 3 anklets.

“The two suspects, namely Mushiri Abubakar ‘m’ age 28yrs and Ahmed Mohammed ‘m age 40yrs were arrested. Mushiri Abubakar is a childhood friend of one Airforce personnel attached to the Airforce base in Kaduna state who served for only five years before being court marshalled and introduced the idea of selling military accoutrements to Mushiri Abubakar. Further investigation revealed that same Mushiri Abubakar had supplied military materials to the Notorious Bello Turji,” he added.

The Force Spokesperson further disclosed that, one Anas Murtala, who belongs to notorious motorcycle snatching gang that steals motorcycles and sold them to bandits, was arrested with “Ladies’ Motorcycle and Mobile Phones.”

Adejobi said, “Operatives of the FID-STS acting on credible intelligence, went after a notorious gang specialized in attacking motorcyclists and dispossessing them of their motorcycles.

“The operation led to the arrest of one Anas Murtala ‘m’ of Markarfi LGA Kaduna State. Upon arrest and consequent interrogation, the suspect confessed to being part of this notorious gang and also confessed to having received over 19 different motorcycles which he had sold. The suspect is cooperative and investigation is still ongoing to arrest other members of the syndicate.”

Earlier in his address, the spokesperson, reiterated that, the Force is committed to ensure public safety for all Nigerians.

In his words, “Today, we gather to reel out our achievements in safeguarding public safety. As we reflect on our tireless efforts, we recognize that our success transcends mere statistics of arrests—it lies in the countless lives spared from the grip of crime due to our unwavering dedication and strategic actions.

“Amid escalating concerns over the nefarious activities of armed bandits and kidnappers nationwide, we reaffirm our resolve to combat kidnapping and banditry. Our mission remains steadfast: to rescue kidnapped victims unharmed, reunite them with their loved ones, and relentlessly pursue criminals to the farthest corners, restoring peace to our beloved country, Nigeria.

“Through enhanced tactical deployments of personnel and resources to troubled regions, we are swiftly restoring order. Collaborative efforts between the police, military, and other security agencies in joint operations so far in February have resulted in the successful rescue of numerous kidnap victims nationwide, who have joyously been reunited with their families.

“These achievements are testaments to our shared commitment to protecting lives and upholding the safety and security of our communities. Recently across the country, there have been several feats of achievements by the men and officers of the Nigeria Police,” he said. (Daily Independent)

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