The Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, has assured the public that the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) is actively pursuing the re-arrest of Nadeem Anjarwalla, the Binance Regional Africa Manager, who escaped from custody in Nigeria.
News About Nigeria reports that Egbetokun made this statement on Thursday during a press briefing at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, Louis Edet House, Abuja.
When asked about Anjarwalla’s escape, he said, “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 will be re-arrested.”
Anjarwalla, aged 38, escaped from custody on Friday, March 22, 2024, from a secure location where he and a colleague were being detained.
During the briefing, the IG also disclosed a concerning surge in kidnapping and murder cases over the past eight weeks.
According to Egbetokun, the Nigeria Police Force recorded 214 cases of kidnapping and 537 homicide cases during this period.
Egbetokun stated that 3,685 suspects were apprehended for their involvement in various criminal activities, while 401 kidnapped victims were successfully rescued.
“Our responses to the current internal security threats require strategic deployments that are not only proactive but also technology and intelligence-driven,” Egbetokun said.
Egbetokun revealed that in the past eight weeks, the police recorded 141 cases of terrorism/secessionist attacks, 126 cases of armed robbery, and 39 cases of unlawful possession of firearms.
Additionally, 216 firearms, 3,601 ammunition, and 82 vehicles were recovered during operations.
In a bid to support families affected by the loss of police officers, Egbetokun mentioned that the Nigeria Police Force had distributed cheques totaling N7,263,391,051.73 to families of deceased officers over the last nine months.
The Inspector General concluded by urging continued vigilance and adaptability in policing strategies to effectively combat evolving threats across the nation.
