Police Have Arrested 1,665 Rape Suspects Nationwide In 10 Months 

Since January, a total of 7,036 criminal suspects have been arrested in Nigeria.

By Omotayo Olutekunbi

Since January, at least 1,665 people have been detained for rape and other forms of sexual and gender-based violence.

During a press conference on Thursday, October 28, 2021, the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, stated that the arrests were made around the country.

He didn’t give an exact number of rape incidents that had been formally reported, but authorities have been fighting what many campaigners have called a rape epidemic in the country.

Following a rash of high-profile cases across the country, all 36 state governors agreed to declare a state of emergency on rape and other gender-based violence against women and children last year. Between January and May, 717 cases of rape and other gender-based violence against women and children were reported.

Since January, a total of 7,036 criminal suspects have been arrested for violent offenses like as terrorism and banditry, according to Baba.

Police officers apprehended 1,845 armed robbery suspects, 1,183 murder suspects, 1,110 online fraud suspects, and 1,445 cultism suspects, according to him.

In addition, 1,243 people were arrested for kidnapping, and 155 people were arrested for suspected terrorism or involvement in secessionist activities.

The accused were also said to have 1,717 sophisticated weaponry, 39,514 live ammo, and 341 stolen cars.

According to Baba, police activities resulted in the recovery of 934 kidnap victims.

Despite the numerous crime reports still being logged around the country, the police commissioner stated that Nigeria’s security situation has been’significantly stabilized’ as a result of teamwork amongst security agencies.

He claimed that crime and threats to public safety, peace, and security are still isolated incidents in the country.

“The Nigeria Police Force is however unrelenting in rejigging its public safety strategies to adequately contain prevailing and emerging crime trends across the country,” Baba said.