The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has paid tribute to Inspector John Jerome Abena, who lost his life during the operation that secured the rescue of abducted schoolchildren in Oyo State, while commending the officers and security personnel whose courage and professionalism made the mission successful.
Speaking while receiving members of the police team involved in the rescue operation, the IGP described Inspector Abena’s death as the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation, stressing that the Force would continue to honour officers who lay down their lives in the line of duty.
Disu said the gathering was not only to celebrate the successful rescue of the abducted pupils but also to recognise the sacrifices made by all personnel who participated in the operation, particularly the late Inspector Abena and other officers who sustained injuries.
He noted that policing remains one of the most demanding professions, with officers confronting danger daily to safeguard lives and property across the country.
The police chief assured injured personnel that the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to their welfare, disclosing that those wounded during the operation are receiving medical care, with the Force bearing the cost of any additional treatment required.
He also pledged sustained support for the families of fallen officers, declaring that the era of neglecting families of personnel who die in active service had come to an end.
Disu praised the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs and heads of other security agencies for the strong inter-agency collaboration that led to the successful rescue operation.
He revealed that the mission was the outcome of extensive intelligence gathering, strategic planning and several joint operational meetings, including late-night deliberations, which enabled security agencies to execute the rescue successfully.
According to the IGP, the operation demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-driven collaboration among Nigeria’s security agencies and reinforced their shared commitment to tackling insecurity through coordinated operations.
He stressed that no single security agency could effectively combat crime in isolation, noting that continued cooperation, joint training and intelligence sharing remain essential to improving national security.
Disu also urged Nigerians to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information, emphasising that public cooperation remains critical to preventing and combating crime across the country.
He thanked all officers involved in the operation for their discipline, resilience and professionalism, noting that while the successful rescue brought relief to the victims’ families, the death of Inspector John Jerome Abena and the injuries sustained by other officers highlighted the enormous sacrifices security personnel make daily in the service of the nation.
The IGP reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to the welfare of its personnel, continued support for injured officers and the families of fallen heroes, as well as sustained collaboration with other security agencies in the fight against insecurity.
