Over the past three months, the MetroPolice have successfully arrested 10,852 suspects across the country for various crimes, including kidnapping, banditry, armed robbery, and other serious offenses. This large-scale operation was part of the police force’s effort to reduce crime and ensure the safety of citizens.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, shared this development during a meeting with senior police officers from the rank of Commissioner and above. He highlighted that these arrests were made between July and September, showing the dedication of the police force in fighting crime across the nation.
In addition to the arrests, Egbetokun revealed that the police recovered 416 firearms, 3,672 rounds of ammunition, and 178 stolen vehicles. A total of 369 kidnapped victims were also rescued during this period, marking a significant achievement in the fight against kidnapping. The police’s efforts have resulted in a noticeable decline in the number of criminal activities, particularly in areas known for banditry, kidnapping, and armed robbery. Cybercrime has also seen a reduction, which further proves that the police force’s strategies are effective.
Egbetokun acknowledged the success of these operations but stressed that there is still much work to be done to maintain and improve the current level of safety. He also emphasized the importance of public cooperation with law enforcement, urging citizens to report suspicious activities and provide any information that could aid in the police’s efforts to ensure a safer environment.
With the Ondo State governorship election set for November 16, the Inspector-General of Police assured the public that the MetroPolice is fully prepared to ensure a peaceful and secure election process. Egbetokun expressed confidence that the lessons learned from previous elections, such as the recent Edo State governorship election, would be applied to make sure the Ondo election is even more successful.
“Our goal is to create a safe environment where citizens can freely exercise their democratic rights without fear or intimidation,” Egbetokun stated. He urged officers assigned to election duties to carry out their responsibilities with professionalism, fairness, and a strong commitment to public safety.
To guarantee security during the election period, the Inspector-General revealed that the police will be working closely with other security agencies, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to coordinate efforts. This collaboration will ensure that the election is conducted without incidents of violence, voter suppression, or any form of illegal activities that could compromise the integrity of the process.
The police will also increase patrols in key areas across Ondo State, especially at voting centers and critical infrastructure, to deter any attempts to disrupt the election. Egbetokun assured that any threat to public safety during the election will be met with a swift and appropriate response.
As the country enters the final quarter of the year, also known as the ’ember months,’ Egbetokun highlighted that this period is usually marked by increased commercial activities and higher crime rates. To address this, the police will implement extra security measures to protect lives and property. These measures include increased patrols, intelligence gathering, and heightened visibility of officers in areas known for high criminal activity.
The Inspector-General called on citizens to remain vigilant during this period and cooperate with law enforcement by reporting any suspicious activities. The police are determined to ensure that the ’ember months’ pass without major security incidents, keeping communities safe and secure as the year comes to an end.
The efforts of the MetroPolice in arresting over 10,000 suspects and recovering numerous illegal arms and stolen items underscore the force’s commitment to safeguarding the country. As the police gear up for the Ondo State election and the challenges of the ’ember months,’ Inspector-General Egbetokun reassured the public that the MetroPolice remain dedicated to reducing crime, enhancing public safety, and building trust between law enforcement and the community.
By working together, both the police and the public can create a more secure environment for everyone, ensuring that law and order prevail across the country.
