A total of 717 rape cases were reported nationwide from January to May this year, Mohammed Adamu, the Inspector-General of Police, said on Monday.
Speaking with State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Adamu said out of the 717 cases, investigations have been concluded in 631 cases with the suspects already in court.
The police boss said investigations were still ongoing in the remaining 52 cases.
He further stated that 799 suspects were arrested in connection with the cases.
Adamu spoke after he joined the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed; and the Minister of Women Affairs Development, Pauline Tallen; to meet President Muhammadu Buhari.
He said, “It has come to the public knowledge now that because of the COVID-19 restrictions, we have a surge in cases of rape and gender-based violence.
“Law enforcement agents have been dealing with these cases, and in most cases, members of the public are not aware of the actions that the law enforcement agents have been taking.
“The Nigeria Police so far from January to May 2020 has recorded about 717 rape incidents that were reported across the country. About 799 suspects have been arrested, 631 cases conclusively investigated and charged to court and 52 cases are left and under investigation.
“The police, other security agencies, and other Non-Governmental Organisations have been collaborating to see to it that these cases of rape and gender-based violence are dealt with.”
