Operation Puff Adder Arrest 2,175 Kidnapping, Armed Robbery, Murder, Cultism Suspects From April Till Date- IGP Adamu

…As IGP calls for tougher legislation against kidnapping and other heinous crimes. 

BY AMOS DUNIA, ABUJA – The Inspector General of Police, IGP Mohammed Adamu has announced that since the launch of Operation Puff Adder on April 5, 2019, till date, a total of 2,175 suspects have been arrested for kidnappings, armed robbery, murder and cultism.

This is just as the IGP canvassed for tougher legislations against kidnapping and banditry including possible state seizure of assets linked to illicit proceeds from kidnapping and other heinous crimes.

The IGP, who announced these on Wednesday while addressing a delegation of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Nasarawa State Chapter, led by Alhaji. Aminu Muazu Maifata, who paid him the traditional Salah visit in his official quarters in Abuja, said the mind-boggling size of the arrests and arms recovered so far is a testament to the efficacy of Operation Puff Adder

A breakdown of the arrested alleged criminals showed that 852 were kidnappers, 865 armed robbers, 359 were murder suspects and 99 cultists.

Similarly, the police successfully rescued 63 Kidnapped victims unhurt just as 834 Arms, including two rocket Launchers, 19,009 live ammunition were recovered with Oyo State recording the highest number of 9,500 live ammunition.

The IGP said the Police are rejigging their strategies to ensure proactive interception of illicit weapons destined to Nigeria and at the same time mop up un-authorized weapons in circulation.
IGP Adamu said that while a good number of the cases are already being prosecuted in courts across the country, many others are still under active investigation owing largely to the complexity of investigating and managing organized crimes. 
The police boss said that tougher legislation against kidnappings will act as a strong disincentive to potential kidnappers and other violent criminals.
He explained that the call became necessary against the increasingly daring resort to these forms of crimes by criminal elements in the society. 
While commending his men for a good job, the IGP said that that the feat recorded is mainly due to unalloyed and unwavering support of the public to the Nigeria Police and other Security agencies.