In a significant crackdown on crime, the Nigeria Police force has apprehended 239 suspects in Kogi State for a range of serious offenses, including kidnapping, armed robbery, rape, cultism, and culpable homicide. This announcement was made by the Kogi State Commissioner of Police, CP Miller Dantawaye, during his inaugural press briefing at the command headquarters in Lokoja.
Dismissing concerns that the police were overwhelmed by the security situation in Kogi State, Commissioner Dantawaye emphasized that the fight against crime and criminality is proceeding effectively. He provided a detailed breakdown of the recent successes achieved by the command, highlighting that from February 2025 to date, 66 suspects were arrested for armed robbery, 75 for kidnapping, 18 for culpable homicide, 21 for unlawful possession of firearms, 4 for rape, 6 for cultism, and 49 for other offenses.
The operation also yielded a substantial amount of firepower and ammunition, including five AK-47 rifles, two AK-49 rifles, nine magazines, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. Additionally, the police recovered locally made firearms, pump action guns, and other weapons, underscoring the breadth of their efforts to disarm and dismantle criminal groups.
Commissioner Dantawaye attributed these achievements to the police force’s proactive strategies, which are rooted in intelligence-led policing and robust community engagement. He noted that the success of these efforts is a testament to the understanding that security is a collective responsibility, requiring the active participation of all stakeholders. The commissioner called for continued cooperation from the public, urging citizens to provide timely and credible information to support the police in their mission to combat criminality.
The appeal for cooperation extends to all segments of Kogi State’s society, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, opinion leaders, youth groups, and various professional and community organizations. By fostering a collaborative approach to security, the police aim to sustain and intensify their campaign against criminal elements, ensuring a safer environment for all residents of Kogi State. With a renewed commitment to fighting crime and a strategy that leverages community support, the Nigeria Police force is making strides in restoring peace and order in the region.