The inspector general of police, Olukayode Egbetokun, says the force secured 35,604 convictions out of 128,988 criminal cases prosecuted in 10 months.

Mr Egbetokun disclosed this on Monday in Abuja at the opening of a workshop on enhancing professionalism and standardisation in criminal investigation organised for heads of police investigating/intelligence units.

“Available records in our Force Legal Office show that your investigative prowess, commitment to duty and resilience have resulted in 35,604 convictions from 128,988 criminal cases charged to court across the country.

“The record shows that 1,782 of the cases were on appeal with 52,601 others, still undergoing trial since the beginning of this year to date,” Mr Egbetokun said.

According to him, 1,877 arms and 22,585 ammunition were recovered, with several kidnap victims rescued.

He said the rescued kidnap victims included the notable cases of 20 medical students in Benue and students of Confluence University in Kogi.

“We did not forget the successful rescue of several minors from their abductors, notably the two children aged between 9 and 11 years, who were held captive for many months before our brave officers secured their freedom,” the police boss stated.

According to him, as we celebrate your successes, we must address recent performance gaps, as public servants, you are expected to demonstrate expertise and professionalism at all times.

Mr Egbetokun said the force would immediately commence the deployment of officers into and out of the Criminal Investigation Department and other investigative units strictly on the principle of mobilisation and demobilisation.

(NAN)