By Boluwaji Obahopo, Lokoja

The Kogi State Police Command has announced the arrest of 239 suspects for various criminal offenses between February and May 2025.

The Kogi State Police Commissioner, Miller Dantawaye, disclosed this during a press briefing in Lokoja on Tuesday, outlining the Command’s efforts to combat crime across the state.

66 suspected armed robbers

75 suspected kidnappers

18 suspects for culpable homicide

21 for unlawful possession of firearms

21 for rape

6 for cultism

49 for other heinous crimes

The Command recovered the following weapons during its operations:

5 AK-47 Rifles

2 AK-49 Rifles

9 Magazines

344 Rounds of 7.62/39mm Ammunition

62 Rounds of 5.56mm Ammunition

2 Rounds of 7.62/59mm Ammunition

1 Locally made Revolver Barrel Gun

1 Black Pump Action Magazine

9 Expended AK Ammunition

7 Expended Cartridges

2 Pump Action Guns

2 Locally made Pistols

Commissioner Dantawaye further stated that the Command has initiated personnel training to boost mental and operational capacity for more effective service delivery.

“Participants of Course 7 in the ongoing Refresher Combat Operation Training Exercise graduated last week Friday,” he said, adding that the Command has adopted comprehensive crime prevention strategies, including:

Intensive patrols along major highways

Raids on identified criminal hideouts, black spots, and flashpoints

Aggressive stop-and-search operations

Deployment of well-trained, equipped, and motivated officers

The Commissioner noted that these efforts are part of the IGP’s community policing strategies aimed at building public confidence in police service delivery.

Dantawaye called on community leaders and stakeholders, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, opinion leaders, youth groups, market bodies, farmers, herders, vigilantes, hunters, transport unions, and others, to support the fight against crime in Kogi State.

“We appeal for their cooperation and understanding in the interest of public safety,” he concluded.