No fewer than 99 suspected criminals were killed in gun battles with officers of the Nigeria Police at several locations in Edo, Bayelsa and Delta States from January to December 2015.
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 5, Mr Musa Daura, announced this Benin while briefing newsmen on the achievements of the zone in the last 12 months.
Daura explained that the figure comprised 82 suspected armed robbers, nine kidnappers and eight pipeline vandals, operating within the affected states.
He said that the zonal command made a total of 1,228 arrests, including 528 armed robbery suspects, 491 cultists and 209 suspected kidnappers, while 145 murder suspects had been charged to court.
He said that a total of 4,110 arms and ammunition as well as properties valued at N293, 931, 400 were also recovered by the command.
Daura described the year in review as challenging and lauded the contributions of the respective state governments in crime prevention and control.
He however commended officers and men of the zonal headquarters, some of whom were rewarded for their hard work and dedication during the promotion of 931 Assistant Superintendent of Police by the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Solomon Arase.
He appealed for more support from members of the public in the provision of useful information in order to provide better security of lives and property in the New Year.
“As you are all aware, the last one year has been so hectic in the zone. But God for his immense mercies, which in spite of all the challenges saw us through the difficult times.
“I want to appeal to you to continue to support us with the provision of useful information, assuring you that any information given to the police will be treated with utmost the confidentiality it deserves as security is a collective responsibility,” he said.
AIG Musa Daura
