The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, has highlighted the Nigeria Police Force’s counterterrorism, anti-kidnapping and community protection efforts at the second United States-Nigeria Country of Particular Concern (CPC) Joint Working Group meeting in Washington, D.C.
The meeting, held on August 12, 2026, reviewed progress on the Joint Working Group Roadmap covering the April to June 2026 reporting period and examined areas for stronger security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States.
According to an official statement signed by CSP Ani Iniedu, the Force Public Relations Officer, IGP Disu represented the Nigeria Police Force as part of the Nigerian delegation comprising the National Security Adviser, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Interior and Defence, Service Chiefs and heads of other security and law enforcement agencies.
Presenting the NPF’s contributions to the implementation of the roadmap, the IGP highlighted sustained counter-kidnapping and anti-banditry operations, increased police presence in vulnerable communities and the deployment of early-warning mechanisms to prevent attacks and protect civilians.
Disu disclosed that personnel from specialised police formations had been deployed across vulnerable Local Government Areas during the reporting period to reinforce public safety and deter violent extremist and criminal groups.
He said, “The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to protecting vulnerable communities and strengthening our operational response against kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes.”
The IGP also highlighted measures supporting the protection and safe return of Internally Displaced Persons, stressing the importance of creating a secure environment for displaced citizens to return to their communities.
On police manpower, Disu disclosed that the recruitment of 50,000 Police Constables was progressing towards the final pre-training stage, with preparations underway for comprehensive training based on an improved curriculum and international best practices.
According to him, “The recruitment and training of 50,000 Police Constables will further strengthen our capacity to provide effective policing and respond to emerging security challenges.”
The IGP also emphasised the importance of community engagement in tackling insecurity, noting that the Force had strengthened collaboration with traditional rulers, religious leaders and other stakeholders.
He stressed that public trust, religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence remained critical to achieving sustainable security.
“Effective policing cannot be achieved without the trust and cooperation of the communities we serve. Community engagement is therefore central to our security strategy,” Disu said.
The IGP further reaffirmed the NPF’s commitment to lawful and professional investigations, civilian protection, respect for human rights and due process, noting the Force’s contribution to Nigeria’s broader counterterrorism and criminal justice framework.
He said the Police would continue to strengthen its investigative capacity and professional standards while supporting Nigeria’s wider security and rule-of-law objectives.
Disu reaffirmed the NPF’s commitment to sustaining its contribution to the US-Nigeria Joint Working Group Roadmap through professional policing, community protection, strengthened investigative capacity and enhanced cooperation with relevant domestic and international partners.
“Our objective is to sustain professional policing, protect civilians and strengthen the investigative and operational capabilities required to support Nigeria’s broader security objectives,” the IGP stated.
