* CP Usman presenting a plaque to Opara

by Pita Chib,  Minna

The Nigeria Police Force, Niger State Command  again at the weekend honoured the Niger State correspondent of The Punch, Mr. Enyioha Opara, and other media houses  in Minna.

Opara was adjudged the best crime reporter for 2019 while others were honoured for their performances in crime reporting  for the same period.

At the ceremony the police commissioner, Adamu Usman, disclosed that media is one of the key instruments used by the command to make its achievements known  and acknowledged by the members of the public.

Usman said, "the media remain cardinal in informing,  enlightening  and educating the public in the fight against crime and criminality,  hence the command's continuous collaboration with media.

Today, I will use the opportunity to appreciate the efforts of all media organization that have contributed immensely in showcasing our achievements. "

The Police Public Relations Officer, Mohammad Abubakar, who unveiled the awards at the Police Mess, said the awardees had been committed and consistent in the reportage of police activities during the period.

Abubakar said though all correspondents had been very diligent in their activities, The Punch is outstanding.

The Commissioner of Police, who presented the awards to the recipients charged them to be more dedicated to their job.

He however disclosed that the Command has recorded remarkable achievements in the year 2019 which include,  the arrest of 55 kidnappers, 48 armed robbers, 15 cattle rustlers and 95 rape and other sexual offences out of these 150 suspects had been charged to court.

CP also said that the command recovered from the suspects, one Ak49 rifle, six Ak47 rifle, seven pistols,  five Magazines, 153 ammunition, Eight vehicles and money N16,661,950.00.

Others are 6 motorcycles, 521 cattle, six camels,  six donkeys,  295 sheep and one horse.

According to him, "The aforementioned successes were recorded as a result of of coordinated joint operations by personnel of operation Puff- Adder and other specialised units of the police through intelligence report at the disposal of the command  and collaboration with the host communities in sharing relevant information to the police