The Borno State Police Command has announced significant achievements in crime prevention and law enforcement for 2024, including the recovery of 18 unexploded explosive devices and the arrest of 721 suspects for various crimes.
The Commissioner of Police, Yusufu Lawal, disclosed these details during the command’s end-of-year press briefing in Maiduguri, the state capital, on Tuesday. He highlighted the command’s efforts to enhance security across the state.
“In the year under review, the command recorded notable successes in combating crime, leading to the arrest of 721 suspects for offences ranging from armed robbery, sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), kidnapping, theft, and other heinous crimes,” Lawal said.
He further noted that the command recovered 18 unexploded explosive devices and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), 13 stolen vehicles and tricycles, six firearms, and a large cache of drugs and other illicit substances.
Lawal attributed these achievements to the proactive measures implemented by officers of the command, which he said have significantly enhanced security in Maiduguri and other major towns in the state.
“In line with the Inspector-General of Police’s vision to achieve a 30% reduction in crime by 2025, the command will sustain robust and proactive policing strategies to ensure that Maiduguri and other towns remain safe and secure,” he assured.
The commissioner expressed gratitude to the state government for its continuous support, particularly in renovating police stations and barracks in Pulka, Gwoza, Monguno, Lugumani, Banki, and Benisheikh.
“This support will significantly boost the morale of officers and improve service delivery,” he stated.
Lawal also commended Governor Babagana Zulum for enacting the Borno State Penal Code Law 2023 and domesticating the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act, which have expedited prosecution processes in the state.
Looking ahead, Lawal affirmed that the command’s priorities for 2025 would align with the state government’s 10-year strategic plan focused on reintegrating displaced communities and building resilience among returnees in their ancestral homes.
“We remain committed to supporting these objectives through targeted and community-focused policing initiatives,” he concluded.
