By Nkechi Eze
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has ordered the immediate deployment of additional police personnel, mobility assets and air support to areas affected by bandit attacks across the country as part of renewed efforts to contain the security threats and protect vulnerable communities.
Disu gave the directive on Wednesday during the monthly conference with strategic senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force, held at the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Peacekeeping Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
The IGP directed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations to coordinate the emergency deployment in consultation with affected commands, stressing the need for a coordinated and intelligence-driven response to the persistent security challenges.
He also ordered all Commissioners of Police in affected commands to submit updated threat assessments and operational requirements to Force Headquarters within 72 hours, insisting that the reports must contain specific details to guide operational interventions.
Acknowledging that bandit attacks were still ongoing in some states, Disu said the security situation required direct and decisive action, noting that operational successes recorded by the Police must not overshadow the realities confronting communities under threat.
He consequently directed all commands to sustain and intensify intelligence-led operations, maintain standing operational plans for high-risk zones and strengthen community intelligence through engagements with traditional rulers, village heads, hunters’ associations and local vigilante groups.
According to him, residents possess valuable information about criminal activities in their communities, but must be given the confidence to share such intelligence with security agencies.
“The Nigerian people did not elect any of us. We wear this uniform to protect them, and their confidence in us is not an entitlement. It is something we must earn every day through visible action. The bandits do not rest. Neither shall we,” he declared.
Giving an account of the operational performance of the Force since the last conference, Disu disclosed that police operatives had arrested 218 suspected bandits and terrorism suspects, 85 suspected armed robbers, 129 murder and culpable homicide suspects, 59 suspected kidnappers and 120 suspected cultists.
He added that the Police rescued 95 kidnapped victims, recovered 306 assorted firearms, 630 rounds of ammunition of various calibres and 116 stolen vehicles within the period.
While commending officers and men for their courage and professionalism, the IGP also paid tribute to personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty, describing their sacrifices as the foundation of the operational successes recorded by the Force.
He disclosed that he had directed the clearance of all outstanding death benefits and entitlements owed to families of fallen officers, mandating Commissioners of Police to personally verify the status of pending cases in their respective commands.
On preparations for the forthcoming electoral period, Disu reaffirmed the non-partisan position of the Police, warning officers against allowing themselves to be used by politicians, political parties or their sponsors to undermine the electoral process.
He announced the immediate cancellation of leave for officers and men deployed for election security duties and directed Commissioners of Police and senior officers to remain in their respective commands until the conclusion of the electoral process.
He further ordered commands to verify the readiness of election security equipment, communication facilities, mobility assets and protective gear, with reports to be submitted to Force Headquarters by the end of the week.
The IGP also directed Commissioners of Police to establish direct coordination with the Independent National Electoral Commission, the military, Department of State Services and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to ensure effective collaboration during the electoral period.
He warned that any officer found colluding with political actors, facilitating thuggery, compromising the integrity of the electoral process or interfering with voters’ rights would face disciplinary action.
Disu equally directed all police commands to establish accessible complaints response mechanisms to address allegations of police misconduct, while ordering a comprehensive welfare audit across commands to identify outstanding personnel entitlements, accommodation gaps and other pressing needs.
The audit findings, he said, must be submitted to his office within 30 days.
He urged senior officers to return to their respective commands with renewed determination, stronger supervision and a commitment to measurable results, stressing that the Police must remain visible and responsive to the security needs of Nigerians.
The IGP also appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support for the Nigeria Police Force.
