*Orders DIG Operations on strict supervision
*NSCDC Parades 8 Suspects for abduction of minor for one year, child labour and mining in Akwa Ibom State
*Lagos Police Apprehends 7 Cultists Kingpin
By; BASHIR BELLO DOLLARS, Abuja & RAYMOND TEDUNJAYE, Lagos
In response to the growing concerns regarding security along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has implemented robust measures to enhance safety and security in the region.
A statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, made available yesterday, said that in recognizing the paramount importance of securing this critical transportation artery, the IGP has intensified deployments of Police Officers and security paraphernalia, leveraging advanced technology and strategic resources to bolster the overall security infrastructure along the route.
The IGP, while directing the DIG Operations, DIG Ede Ayuba Ekpeji, on strict supervision of the personnel detailed for Operations along the route, reiterated that the proactive step aims to reassure citizens and travellers of their safety, as the increased presence of security forces in the region will act as a deterrent to criminal activities.
The Inspector-General of Police while emphasizing the collaboration between various security agencies and concerned communities in the region, urges the public to remain vigilant, report any suspicious activities, and cooperate with security personnel as the collective effort is crucial in maintaining the security and well-being of all residents and travelers.
He assured the public that these strengthened security measures are part of an ongoing commitment to ensuring a secure and peaceful environment.
*NSCDC Parades 8 Suspects for abduction of minor for one year, child labour and mining in Akwa Ibom State
Meanwhile, the Akwa Ibom State Command of NSCDC has apprehended eight suspects for different offences ranging from abduction of minor, child labour and illegal mining in different operations in the state.
This was contained in a statement signed by the National PRO NSCDC, NHQ Abuja, CSC Babawale Afolabi, made available yesterday.
Acting on credible intelligence, Comdt Eluwade Eluyemi deployed the Command tactical squad to a residence in Ndom Ebom in Uruan LGA to raid the apartment where a 14 year old Master Wisdom Aniekpeno Efiok was abducted to live and work for one year.
While briefing newsmen at the State Command headquarters in Uyo, Comdt Eluwade Stated that ‘’we received a credible intelligence about a 14 year old boy, Wisdom Aniekpeno Ifiok who had been declared missing since January, 2023. On Monday, 4th of January, 2024, my personnel raided the apartment where he was seen in Ndon Ebom village in Uruan LGA and arrested 7 suspects. The minor was taken for one (1) year without the consent of his parents and was used to carry out fishing activities in riverine areas up to the high sea into Cameroon.
The key suspect who was the master to the minor, Mr. Otobong Aneitie Udoekong is currently undergoing investigation for criminal conspiracy, abduction of a minor for 1 year and subjecting the victim to child labour. Other suspects are being profiled to ascertain their level of involvement.
In another operation on the 5th of January, 2024, personnel of the Command arrested one suspect and impounded two (2) tipper trucks and a Peugeot car at a Borrow pit site in Ikot Anyang Offot Village, Ekpri Nsukara in Uyo, Local Government Area for engaging in illegal mining activity. The suspect, Mr. Peter Ime Okon was arrested for carrying out mining activity without a mining license.
Commandant Eluwade has warned that mining without license is illegal. “Illegal Miners do not take the environment into consideration and their activities endanger lives and robs Government of revenue”. He affirmed that the Corps will not rest on its oars in combating illegal mining in Akwa Ibom State.
He called on Akwa Ibomites and residents to shun all forms of crimes or the long arm of the law will catch up with them when caught.
The suspects involved in the abduction and child labour will be handed over to relevant agency on conclusion of profiling and investigation, while the illegal miner will be charged to Courts.
*Lagos Police Apprehends 7 Cultists Kingpin
In another successful Operation by security forces, no fewer than seven notorious cultists kingpin are now in the police net in Lagos, New Nigerian Newspapers has learnt.
Our correspondent gathered that the suspects were arrested in Ikorodu area of the state in two different operations.
As gathered, the deadly cultists are part of the criminals terrorising innocent residents and causing disturbance of public peace in the area.
Confirming the arrest, the Commissioner of Police Lagos State Command, CP Adegoke Fayoade hinted that the suspects were aporehended about five days ago.
Fayoade, who spoke during a parley with members of the Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria (CRAN) at the State Command Headquarters yesterday, said three out of the suspects were arrested on Tuesday, while four were arrested on Thursday at different parts of Ikorodu in Lagos.
The Commissioner of Police said that cultism, traffic robbery and kidnapping were some major crimes he was going to tackle headlong.
Fayoade, who solicited the support of CRAN members, stressed that the media personnel were part of his eyes and ears in getting feedback and other information.
He said he was also partnering the judiciary with a view to ensure arrested criminals were kept away for a long time.
The police boss said he will be transparent in his operations, stressing that no officer will be cover-up for any wrong doing.
Fayoade said he will ensure that his officers and men carry out their duties professionally, requesting members of the public to give him information on any unprofessional conduct.
He called on all Divisional Police Officers to ensure they make their stations conducive for all to make report/complaint when necessary.
On commercial motorcyclists, he said there will be strict enforcement than before, stressing that some of them were part of the security challenges in the State.
The police boss warned his men and officers against land issues, saying it is was a civil matter.
He however, warned that those who may want to cause trouble through land matter will be dealt with.
Speaking at the occasion, the President of CRAN, Mr Olalekan Olabulor, assured the CP of the association’s support, as long as information will always be available for members to work with.
