Bayelsa State Police Command has apprehended 22 alleged robbers and cultists. Romokere Ibani, the Commissioner of Police, revealed this during a news conference at the command’s headquarters in Yenagoa on Friday.
Ibani stated that SWAT and anti-kidnapping teams apprehended the suspects between January and May 2023 and to tip-offs, answers to distress calls, follow-up operations, and searches for hideouts, among other things.
The accused possessed six locally-made handguns, one silver automatic pistol, one English-made pistol, and 11 machetes, along with one walkie-talkie, one knife, one facemask, and four rounds. Furthermore, the authorities found 9mm ammo, a knife, two spent cartridges, and three live cartridges among the items.
The Bayelsa police chief officially started their job on May 2. They mentioned a comprehensive operation plan implemented by the command upon their arrival. The plan strengthened tactical units to ensure effective police service delivery. The chief highlighted the command’s significant progress in combating crime. They attributed the arrests and recovered goods to the dedication of the police and the support of the public.
He stated,
“My leadership style will be anchored on the principle of community policing and an intelligence-driven approach to solving crime. I will rejig to the command control room to ensure a coordinated response to distress calls.
“Police officers under my watch will be motivated to strive for professionalism and excellence in discharging their duties. I have also charged my officers and men to be firm and courageous in discharging their duties and to be civil and uphold the ethics of the police profession.
“The command will work in synergy with other security agencies to ensure public safety and security in the state”.
cc: Punch Ng
