By Abigail Philip David
The Borno State Police Command has reported the recovery of 18 unexploded explosive devices and the arrest of 721 suspects involved in various crimes across the state in 2024.
Commissioner of Police Yusufu Lawal disclosed these achievements during the command’s end-of-year briefing in Maiduguri on Tuesday, highlighting significant strides in crime prevention and law enforcement.
“Throughout the year, we successfully arrested 721 suspects for crimes such as armed robbery, sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), kidnapping, theft, and other serious offences,” Lawal stated.
He added, “The command also recovered 18 unexploded explosive devices, 13 stolen vehicles and tricycles, six firearms, and a significant quantity of drugs and other illegal substances.”
Lawal attributed these achievements to proactive policing measures, which have bolstered security in Maiduguri and other parts of the state. He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to the Inspector-General of Police’s vision to reduce crime by 30% by 2025, vowing to sustain robust strategies to ensure public safety.
The commissioner expressed gratitude to the state government for its support, including the renovation of police facilities in areas such as Pulka, Gwoza, Monguno, Lugumani, Banki, and Benisheikh. He noted that these improvements have boosted the morale of officers and enhanced service delivery.
Lawal also praised Governor Babagana Zulum for his contributions, including the enactment of the Borno State Penal Code Law 2023 and the domestication of key legal frameworks such as the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act. These developments, he said, have expedited the prosecution of offenders.
Looking ahead, the commissioner assured residents that the command’s focus in 2025 would align with the state government’s 10-year strategic plan, which aims to reintegrate displaced communities and strengthen resilience among returnees.
“We remain dedicated to supporting these goals through targeted, community-focused policing initiatives,” Lawal concluded.
