The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has directed the immediate deployment of additional police personnel, operational vehicles and air support to states battling persistent bandit attacks across the country.
Disu issued 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 police chief also announced that the Force had arrested 611 suspects for various crimes, including banditry, terrorism, armed robbery, murder, kidnapping and cultism since its last conference.
The suspects comprised 218 alleged bandits and terrorists, 85 suspected armed robbers, 129 murder and culpable homicide suspects, 59 suspected kidnappers and 120 suspected cultists.
He further disclosed that police operatives had rescued 95 kidnapped victims, recovered 306 assorted firearms, 630 rounds of ammunition of different calibres and 116 stolen vehicles within the period under review.
While applauding officers and men for their contributions to the operational achievements, Disu recognised the sacrifices of personnel who lost their lives while carrying out their duties.
He said he had ordered the immediate payment of outstanding death benefits and other entitlements owed to the families of deceased police officers.
The IGP also directed Commissioners of Police to personally review and verify all outstanding cases relating to the benefits of fallen officers in their respective commands, insisting that families of deceased personnel must not be left to grapple with financial hardship.
On the persistent security challenges posed by banditry, Disu admitted that several communities across the country remained exposed to attacks despite the operational gains recorded by the Force.
He consequently directed Commissioners of Police in affected states to submit updated security threat assessments and operational requirements to the Force Headquarters within 72 hours.
He also instructed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations to coordinate the immediate deployment of additional personnel, operational vehicles and air support to the most affected areas.
The police chief further urged security operatives to strengthen intelligence-driven operations and deepen collaboration with traditional rulers, village heads, hunters’ associations and local vigilante groups to enhance intelligence gathering and curb criminal activities.
“The people know who the bandits are. We must give them the confidence to tell us,” he stated.
Disu maintained that the police must remain steadfast in their responsibility to safeguard Nigerians, stressing that officers must demonstrate their commitment through tangible results.
“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 said.
