The Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, has assured the public that the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) is actively working to re-arrest Nadeem Anjarwalla, Binance Regional Africa Manager.
Speaking to journalists at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, Egbetokun emphasized the ongoing efforts to bring Anjarwalla to justice.
While refraining from divulging specific details of INTERPOL’s operations, Egbetokun reiterated the commitment of law enforcement agencies to pursue the case diligently. “I am not going to tell you what INTERPOL is doing, but I must tell you that we are doing a lot. I can assure you that the suspect would be re-arrested,” stated Egbetokun.
Anjarwalla, 38, reportedly escaped from custody on Friday, March 22, 2024, from a ‘safe house’ where he and his colleague were being detained. His escape prompted immediate concerns regarding the security protocols surrounding high-profile detainees and the need for enhanced vigilance within law enforcement agencies.
In addition to addressing the escape of Anjarwalla, Egbetokun highlighted the alarming increase in kidnapping and murder cases recorded in the past eight weeks. According to the Inspector General of Police, the Nigeria Police Force documented 214 cases of kidnapping and 537 homicide cases during this period. Despite the challenges posed by these escalating crime rates, Egbetokun emphasized the proactive measures being undertaken to combat criminal activities across the nation.
“We will continue to strive for excellence by being more proactive in our policing approach,” declared Egbetokun. He emphasized the importance of leveraging technology and intelligence-driven strategies to pre-empt criminal activities, disrupt illicit networks, and swiftly apprehend perpetrators.
The Inspector General of Police outlined the comprehensive efforts being made to address various forms of criminality, including terrorism, armed robbery, and unlawful possession of firearms. In the past eight weeks alone, the Nigeria Police Force recorded 141 cases of terrorism/secessionist attacks, 126 cases of armed robbery, and 39 cases of unlawful possession of firearms. Additionally, 3,685 suspects were apprehended for their participation in various crimes, and 401 kidnapped victims were rescued.
Despite the challenges posed by rising crime rates, Egbetokun emphasized the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to supporting the families of deceased officers. Over the last nine months, the force has distributed cheques totaling N7,263,391,051.73 to 2,514 families of deceased police officers, providing crucial financial support to those who have lost loved ones in the line of duty.
As the nation grapples with the complex realities of security challenges, Egbetokun underscored the importance of collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies and the public. He urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities, emphasizing the collective responsibility in maintaining peace and security within communities.
In conclusion, the reassurances provided by the Inspector General of Police reflect the ongoing commitment of law enforcement agencies to address security challenges and uphold the rule of law. As efforts continue to re-arrest Nadeem Anjarwalla and combat rising crime rates, the Nigeria Police Force remains steadfast in its mission to protect and serve the people of Nigeria.
