By Augustine Ehikioya
From the South East to the North Central and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), Victor O. Godfrey, has left the same footprint on his trail.
He has become a terror to terrorists, kidnappers, and other criminals in his area of responsibility.
The Cop has not only become a thorn in the flesh of criminals wherever he goes, but he has also become a great crime burster with many achievements and accolades following him from posting to posting.
In short, the fear of CSP Godfrey is now the beginning of wisdom for criminals that want to stay alive and out of trouble.
But those that threw caution to the wind and dare him by continuing their nefarious activities in his area of responsibility always meet their waterloo.
This has been his service mark as he is presently the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Utako Divisional Headquarters, FCT.
Apart from arresting many kidnappers and one-chance syndicates, he has been able to recover millions of Naira ransom money from the criminals.
His exploit in the FCT is now being increasingly felt as kidnappers and one chance operators are being arrested almost on a daily basis, which is helping to boost the worrisome security situation in the FCT
From his Nigeria Police Force Divisional Headquarters, Utako, he led his operatives on the 24th December, 2023 to arrest 3 suspects in connection with incessant “One Chance” incidents in the FCT.
CSP Godfrey from 30th December to 31st December 2023 led operation that arrested 3 notorious “One Chance” (robbery) suspects, all resident at Akaraka Gwagwa in FCT, Abuja.
The Suspects, which confessed to the crime, included husband and wife who engaged in the heinous crime of ‘One Chance’ (robbery).
Some suspects were also arrested on the 4th of February, 2024 when operatives from Godfrey’s Utako Division mixed with some locals raided an uncompleted hospital building at Utako Village around 23:00hrs
Between 11th of February, 2024 to 13th February, 2024, Operatives led by CSP Victor O Godfrey arrested eight notorious Kidnappers and recovered ransom collected from victims at Tudun Wada Lugbe and Kpyakasa Trademore Lugbe, FCT, Abuja, Utako Div.
The suspects, which were arrested in connection with high profile kidnappings cases in FCT and its environs, have confessed to the crime.
Physical cash sum of nine million, seventy thousand and five hundred naira (N9,070,500) money paid by victims’ of kidnappings were recovered from the suspects.
Other exhibits recovered from that operation included knives, bullet proof vest, local charms and cutlass.
Also on 14th February, 2024 at about 21:30 hrs at Berger Roundabout, Utako Divisional operatives together with RRS 46 on Stop & Search, arrested one Moses Hassan from Idah, Kogi State.
He was arrested in connection with armed robbery of one Suleiman Talba of no.9 fourth Avenue Gwarinpa, who was accousted with a locally made pistol and dispossessed of his Samsung Galaxy 5 valued N200,000.
CSP Godfrey also played a key role in the arrest of one Ulagu Philemon Chukwuma who abducted his boss’ son, Justin Nwankwo, on February 10, 2024, in the Jabi area of the nation’s capital city.
The suspect, who was a domestic worker serving as a chef to the Nwankwo family, was nabbed by officers of the Utako Police Divisional Headquarters.
Before his arrest, the suspects had forcefully obtained a cash sum of three million, nine hundred thousand naira (N3,900,000) as ransom from the victim’s father.
While the CSP Godfrey team eventually rescued the boy unhurt and reunited him with his parents, the cash sum earlier extorted was also recovered.
On the 25th February, 2024 a team from the Utako Division while on routine patrol by 06:05 hrs around Berger Mosque, Utako, arrested one notorious armed robber.
Wearing military T-shirt, the suspect had robbed his victim of his iPhone 11 phone and power bank after stabbing him on his left hand and chest with knife.
The Police and some locals caught up with the suspect, overpowered him and recover the robbed items.
The CSP Godfrey team also arrested one Mohammed Aliyu Lawal under Dede bridge in connection with one chance gang that withdrew cash through POS from their deceased victim’s bank account.
On the 12th February, 2024, Godfrey team also arrested two suspects of one chance around 20:00hrs at Jabi Mashalashi by FCMB Jabi FCT.
Mentioned above are just few of his achievements, but the NPF that is keeping records of his exploits has been commending and giving him awards.
One of the latest Letter of Commendation from the FCT Commissioner of Police, CP. Benneth Igweh, dated 4th March, 2024 with Ref No: CB: 5000/FCT/DFA/VOL.1/96, reads “The Commissioner of Police is please with your exceptional loyalty, dedication and commitment to duty as the Divisional Police Officer Utako
“Your outstanding performance and unwavering determination, meticulous investigative digital skills, and strategic approach played a pivotal role in apprehending these dangerous and most wanted kidnappers leading to the recovery of such a huge amount of money in the name of ransom.
“Your efforts to arrest Armed robbers suspects who have specialized in terrorizing Abuja residents under the cover of (one chance) group and confessed to be specialist in one chance activities and recruitment of new members; among the suspects are husband and wife. We applaud your courageous efforts.
“It is interesting to note that, in the face of numerous challenges and demanding situations, you have consistently demonstrated professionalism, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to upholding the values of the Command and the Nigeria Police at large.
“Your dedication to serving and protecting the community exemplifies the highest standards of a law enforcement excellence.
“Your ability to effectively collaborate with other community gate keepers and members of the Vigilante groups has demonstrated your leadership and professionalism in the field.
“The successful outcome of this last operation is a testament to your exceptional capabilities and your unbending commitment to the mission of the command. Your exemplary performance reflects positively on yourself, the command and the entire Nigeria Police Force. We are proud of you.” the CP stated.
Another award from the Commissioner of Police, FCT Police Command to CSP Victor O. Godfrey, was given “In honor of your outstanding input towards the development of the Command and exemplary contribution to the safety of lives and properties in your assigned Area Of Responsibility (AOR)”
It is worthy to note that CSP Godfrey was able to achieve the feat in the FCT because he had the caliber of the FCT Commissioner of Police, CP. Benneth Igweh, at the helm of affairs, because he had been a field officer himself and understood the terrain.
While all the commendations and accolades coming the way of CSP Godfrey are very good, but the NPF should take it further.
The NPF should think of how to derive maximum benefits from the uncommon commitment and dedication from CSP Godfrey and other committed officers who are going all the way against crime.
With Godfrey’s special touch against crimes, it will not be out of place to motivate him with well-deserved promotion and continue to use him maximally to fight crimes on a wider level.
All sentiments should be set aside and all focus should be on getting the right people that could deliver to occupy positions of greater authority and responsibility.
No effort should be spared to end the increasing trend of insecurity in the country.
