The Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested no fewer than 22 suspects for armed robbery and cult-related activities in different parts of the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Romokere Ibani, disclosed this during a press briefing at the command’s headquarters in Yenagoa on Friday.
According to him the suspects were arrested by operatives of the SWAT and anti-kidnapping units between January and May 2023.
The police boss said the arrests were made possible through various means, including tip-offs, responses to distress calls, follow-up operations, and searches of hideouts. These proactive measures have proven effective in targeting and apprehending individuals involved in criminal activities.
During the arrest, the police recovered items from the suspects, including six locally-made pistols, one silver automatic pistol, one English-made pistol, 11 machetes, one walkie-talkie, one dagger, one facemask, four rounds of .9mm ammunition, one knife, two expended cartridges, three live cartridges, among others.
Ibani, who formally resumed duty on May 2, said a robust operation strategy put in place by the command, upon his assumption of office, had strengthened the tactical teams for effective delivery of police service.
In his words: “My leadership style will be anchored on the principle of community policing and an intelligence-driven approach to solving crime. I will rejig to 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.”
