BY EMMANUEL SAMUEL, YOLA
The outgoing Commissioner of Police, Adadawa State Command, Aliyu Adamu Alhaji, said that his command has fought crime and corruption to a zero level, adding that his officers will maintain the spirit.
He disclosed this on Monday during a press conference at the police headquarters in Yola, while presenting the score card of his administration.
“In my maiden speech, I assured the good people of Adamawa State that all acts of corruption among the officers and men of the command will be addressed. I want to state that the officers have keyed into my drive of “ZERO TOLERANCE” to corruption which have been reduced tremendously.
“I want officers to maintain the status and the general public to be the ‘WATCH DOG’ and report any deviation to my successor,” he said.
Aliyu noted that in its various operations, the command has arrested over 1,146 suspects who are members of various high profile criminal gangs and networks across the state.
He said that, the arrests were carried out by Anti-kidnapping Unit, Anti- Shilla Squad, CID Personnel, SIB and other Divisional Police operatives of the command in conjunction with hardworking hunters, Pulaku and Vigilante members.
“The Command has apprehended, investigated and prosecuted over One thousand, one hundred and forty Six (1,146) suspects for various offences in various courts of competent jurisdiction, 426 suspects had already been convicted while 720 are now awaiting trial.
“The Command’s tremendous achievements are indications that the police are committed to ensuring that the good people of Adamawa State are safe and secured. It equally indicates the cooperation of all stakeholders in the state on giving the police credible and actionable information.
“These sacrifices yielded positive result, few among them Includes: The arrest of 21 suspects in connection with the recent killings of seven in Dasin Bwate, Fufore L.G.A the case is under investigation while the area is calm.
“The Command was able to dislodge and apprehend over 400 radical armed Shilla Boys and were charged to court. They are now remanded in prison custody.
“The Command has also apprehended over 121 kidnappers from across the state and rescued some kidnapped Victims,” he said.
According to him, with the signing of the state VAPP law, the Command has prosecuted over 21 for Gender Based Violence cases across the state and rescued some rape victims.
Speaking further, he explained that the Command cracked and apprehended some notorious highway robbers that were terrorizing Numan-Gombe road, Numan –Jalingo road and Ngurore – Mayo Belwa road.
“The Command has successfully received Mr. President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR and provided adequate security for the Presidential visit to the state which was hitch free.
“The Command apprehended the notorious receiver of stolen properties Alhaji Halilu Lafiya (alias SYB) and has since been prosecuted and convicted.
“The Command has equally succeeded in training and retraining of officers through workshop and seminars organized by some NGOs to enhance capacity building of officers and men.
Aliyu noted that as a result of the various operations, a number of dangerous weapons and other items were confiscated.
Aliyu also mentioned that police investigation led to the recovery of “20 AK47 rifles, 3 G3 rifles, 2 Pump actions, 7 Single barrels Guns, and 11 locally fabricated guns.
Others included 600 rounds of live ammunition, 115 cartridges, 8 stolen motor vehicles, 18 tricycles, 11 motorcycles, set of televisions, laptops and drone, and handset accessories.
According to him, large quantities of hard drugs, intoxicating substances and weeds suspected to be Indian hemp among others worth over N5 million were also recovered, adding that the Command also recovered large sum of money paid for ransom and was handed over to victims’ families.
During the occasion, hardworking police officers were given awards, while vigilantes and hunters who played vital roles in fighting crimes in the Command were issued with certificates of recognition.