Six police officers were slain on February 26 during a special operation at Evil Forest in Ughelli North LGA of Delta State. At least nine people have been detained by the police in connection with this case.

In the preceding eight weeks, 3,685 criminal suspects were brought under police scrutiny, of which the arrests were a part.

This was revealed by Inspector-General of Police IGP Kayode Egbetokun, who stated that 3,685 people were detained by the Nigeria Police Force for their involvement in a variety of crimes during that time.

According to Egbetokun, the Force has also recovered 82 vehicles, 3,601 ammo, 216 different types of weaponry, and 401 kidnapped victims.

“In the past eight weeks, we recorded 141 cases of terrorism/secessionist attacks, 537 cases of murder, 126 cases of armed robbery, 214 cases of kidnapping and 39 cases of unlawful possession of firearms,” the IG said.

“The entire Police family is deeply pained by the heinous act of violence against our officers in the ordinary course of their duties,” the IGP stated, providing an update on the kidnapping and murder of six police officers. During this trying time, our prayers and thoughts are with the families of the fallen cops.

“I like to firmly reiterate that we will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the killers of these personnel, and many others, do not escape the long arms of the law.

“In this respect, I am pleased to note that we have made significant progress in the investigation into the tragic incident. A total of nine suspects have been apprehended and are currently assisting in unravelling the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incident.

“Undoubtedly, we are closing in on the key actors and other parties to the crime. Be assured that we will not rest on our oars until the murder of our colleagues are avenged with justice,” Egbetokun pledged.

He gave the relatives of the victims his word that the police would keep up their end of the bargain to lessen their suffering during this time.

Speaking about the police’s recent accomplishments, Egbetokun stated that the force had effectively won the discharge of insurance claims for fallen officers, which had accumulated over the course of nearly eight years, through relentless efforts.

“We have in the last nine months cumulatively presented cheques totalling N7,263,391,051.73K to 2,514 families of deceased police officers.

“Apart from actualising a consistent bi-monthly release of insurance benefits to the families of our departed colleagues who had died in the course of their service to the nation, (including payment of some backlogs of insurance claims), the Force has recently concluded the registration process of the NPF Insurance Company Limited with the Corporate Affairs Commission and we are steadily progressing towards the operationalisation of the Company,” the police boss said.

He continued by saying that the new business will support the direct processing of insurance monies from the Central Bank of Nigeria and the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM).

The inaugural Police Awards and Commendations Ceremony, which will honor honorable officers who have distinguished themselves at their various job postings and are planned to take place on April 15, 2024, has been rescheduled, according to the IGP.

“The process of sorting through the numerous nominations received from commands and formations has been successfully concluded. It is our expectation that the ceremony will not just serve as an avenue for recognition of the meritorious and courageous efforts of our heroes, but it is to serve as inspirations to others,” the IGP said.