In a significant crackdown on crime, the Nigerian Ports Police Authority Command, Western Zone, arrested 103 suspects in the first half of 2024.
The arrests were made in connection with 57 cases reported during the period, according to a report presented by Deputy Commissioner of Police Operations Ibrahim Abdul at the quarterly meeting of the Nigeria Ports Consultative Council held in Lagos recently.
The suspects were apprehended through various operations, including raids on criminal hideouts, vehicular and foot patrols, and intensive surveillance and intelligence gathering.
The arrests were distributed across the divisions, with Ports CIID Apapa accounting for the highest number of arrests at 42, followed by Apapa Division with 16 arrests, and Roro Division with 14 arrests.
The cases involved a range of crimes, including assault, misdemeanour, stowaway, and theft. Theft was the most prevalent crime, with 18 cases reported, resulting in a property loss of N103 million, with only N10 million recovered.
The total value of property stolen, lost, or damaged was a staggering N142 million, with recovered property valued at N16 million. The arrests and recoveries are a testament to the command’s efforts to ensure the security of the ports and prevent criminal activities.
However, the Deputy Commissioner noted that despite these efforts, the figures underscore the ongoing challenges in ensuring port security, emphasising the need for continued vigilance and enhanced security measures to protect valuable assets and maintain order within the ports.
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