Insecurity: IGP orders deployment of more police personnel to bandit-hit areas
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has ordered the immediate deployment of additional police personnel, operational vehicles and air support to states affected by banditry across the country.
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 police chief also disclosed that the Force had arrested 611 suspects for various offences, including banditry, terrorism, armed robbery, murder, kidnapping and cultism since its last conference.
According to him, the arrests comprised 218 suspected bandits and terrorists, 85 suspected armed robbers, 129 murder and culpable homicide suspects, 59 suspected kidnappers and 120 suspected cultists.
He further revealed that police operatives 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 commending officers and men for their contributions to the operational successes, Disu acknowledged the sacrifices of personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty.
He disclosed that he had directed the immediate settlement of outstanding death benefits and entitlements owed to families of deceased police officers.
The IGP also instructed Commissioners of Police to personally verify all pending cases involving the entitlements of fallen officers in their respective commands, stressing that no family of a deceased officer should be abandoned to face financial difficulties.
Addressing the persistent banditry crisis, Disu acknowledged that despite the achievements recorded by the Force, several communities across the country remained vulnerable to attacks.
He directed Commissioners of Police in affected states to submit updated security threat assessments and operational requirements to 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, mobility assets and air support to the worst-hit areas.
The police chief further called for intensified intelligence-led operations and stronger collaboration with traditional rulers, village heads, hunters' associations and local vigilante groups to improve intelligence gathering and tackle criminal activities.
"The people know who the bandits are. We must give them the confidence to tell us," he stated.
Disu emphasised that the police must remain committed to protecting Nigerians, warning that officers must demonstrate their dedication through concrete actions.
"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.
Insecurity: IGP orders deployment of more police personnel to bandit-hit areas