Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, says the Nigeria Police Force arrested 5,488 criminal suspects and rescued 170 kidnapped victims across the country between June and July 2025.
He disclosed this on Tuesday during a strategic meeting with Deputy Inspectors General, Assistant Inspectors General, and State Commissioners of Police in Abuja.
“Between June and July 2025 alone, we recorded the arrest of 5,488 criminal suspects involved in offences ranging from kidnapping and armed robbery to cultism and homicide,” Egbetokun said.
The IGP noted that the Force also recovered 316 firearms, 2,884 rounds of ammunition, and 216 stolen or unregistered vehicles during various operations.
In a move to boost morale within the Force, Egbetokun introduced a new reward system.
“Any officer who wins the IGP’s Award for Exceptional Professionalism twice consecutively will now be eligible for accelerated promotion,” he announced.
He said the policy was designed to promote patriotism and reward professionalism.
The IGP also spoke on the plight of retired police officers under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), calling their condition “morally unacceptable.”
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“Most retired officers live in conditions that are humiliating, given the sacrifices they made in service to the nation,” he said.
“Their pension is abysmally low, often inadequate for basic needs such as healthcare and housing. This reality is creating widespread fear and disillusionment among serving officers.”
Egbetokun assured that the police leadership was working with the National Assembly and Federal Government to resolve the matter, including a possible exit from the CPS.
He acknowledged there were misunderstandings surrounding the reform process but maintained that progress was being made.
“To our retired officers, I make this solemn appeal: hold the line. Your voices have been heard. Your sacrifices are acknowledged. And your welfare remains at the forefront of our institutional agenda,” he said.
He warned against political interference in the pension agitation and urged officers to remain calm and trust the process.
“This is not a moment for impulsive action,” he cautioned. “It is a moment for strategic patience. Pension reform is complex, but progress is being made.”
In closing, he called on senior police officers to deepen coordination and discipline across their commands.
“Crime does not rest. Criminals do not pause. Our strategy must reflect that urgency,” he said. “This is only the beginning.”