In a sweeping crackdown on crime, the Nigeria Police Force in Plateau State has announced the arrest of 859 individuals involved in various criminal activities, including armed robbery and kidnapping. The arrests, which span the entire year of 2024, come as part of a determined effort by the Plateau State Police Command to reduce crime and ensure the safety of residents.
During a press briefing on Friday, Commissioner of Police Emmanuel Adesina shared key statistics that highlight the extensive nature of the police operations. In 2024 alone, 794 criminal cases were reported, leading to the arrest of 859 suspects. Additionally, 415 cases were successfully charged to court, and a significant 46 victims of kidnapping were rescued, showcasing the force’s ongoing battle to curb the rise in abductions. Along with the arrests, the police recovered 27 firearms and 115 rounds of ammunition, signaling a major blow to armed criminal groups operating within the state.
One of the most notable operations occurred on December 14, when police patrols in the Bassa Local Government Area led to the arrest of Emmanuel Atu, a 24-year-old suspected cultist. A revolver pistol loaded with five rounds of live ammunition was recovered from his possession. Atu confessed to being a member of the notorious Eiye Black Axe Confraternity, and his arrest is expected to shed light on the activities of this dangerous group within the region.
In another key breakthrough, on December 15, a team of officers acting on a tip-off raided a hideout in Pil-Gani District of Langtang North LGA. Four suspects were arrested, and an AK-47 rifle, along with a magazine containing 13 rounds of ammunition, was seized. The suspects admitted to being involved in a series of armed robbery operations, including a high-profile robbery in August 2024. Their capture marks a significant step toward dismantling a violent criminal network operating in the area.
Further investigation led to the chilling discovery of a body at a mining site in Laranto Division. The victim, 40-year-old Rabiu Abdullahim, had been reported missing on November 19 and was later found dead with signs of violence. Police swiftly arrested 31-year-old Aliyu Lawal in connection to the murder. Lawal confessed to killing Abdullahim and abandoning his body in the mining stream, further deepening the investigation into the violent acts plaguing the region.
With the arrest of these criminals, Plateau’s police have sent a clear message that they will not relent in their fight against crime. The Commissioner of Police assured that all suspects will be charged to court as investigations continue, signaling a determined effort to bring perpetrators to justice and restore peace to the state.