Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu has ordered the immediate deployment of additional police personnel, mobility assets and air support to communities affected by bandit attacks across the country as part of efforts to strengthen security operations.
The directive was issued on Wednesday during the monthly conference of strategic senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force in Abuja.
Disu also instructed Commissioners of Police in affected states to submit updated threat assessments and operational requirements to Force Headquarters within 72 hours, emphasising the need for detailed reports on the security situation in their respective commands.
Acknowledging the continued threat posed by bandits in parts of the country, the police chief directed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations to coordinate the deployment of personnel and equipment to the most affected areas.
He stressed that intelligence-driven operations must be sustained and enhanced, while every police command should maintain a standing operational plan for high-risk zones.
The IG further called for deeper collaboration with local communities, traditional rulers, village heads, hunters’ groups and vigilante organisations, noting that community-based intelligence remains critical in identifying and combating criminal elements.
According to him, residents often possess valuable information about the activities and identities of bandits and should be encouraged to share intelligence with security agencies.
“The bandits do not rest. Neither shall we,” Disu said, assuring affected communities that the police would continue to intensify efforts to restore security and protect lives and property.
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Inspector-General announced a series of measures aimed at ensuring a smooth and secure electoral process.
He cancelled leave for officers assigned to election security duties and directed Commissioners of Police and other senior officers to remain in their commands throughout the electoral period unless granted approval by Force Headquarters.
Disu also ordered command heads to verify the readiness of election security equipment, communications facilities, vehicles and protective gear, with reports expected before the end of the week.
In addition, he directed police commands to strengthen coordination with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the military, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The police chief warned officers against partisan conduct, stressing that the Force would remain neutral and provide equal protection to all candidates, political parties and voters regardless of political affiliation.
He cautioned that any officer found colluding with political actors, facilitating electoral violence, compromising election integrity or interfering with the rights of voters would face disciplinary action.
Disu disclosed that since the last strategic officers’ conference, police operations nationwide had led to the arrest of 218 suspects linked to banditry and terrorism, 85 suspected armed robbers, 129 murder suspects, 59 suspected kidnappers, and 120 suspected cultists.
He added that security operatives rescued 95 kidnapping victims, recovered 306 firearms, 630 rounds of ammunition, and 116 stolen vehicles during the period under review.
The IG commended officers involved in the operations, praising their dedication and professionalism.
The renewed security measures come amid ongoing concerns over banditry and kidnapping, particularly in parts of Nigeria’s North-West and North-Central regions, where attacks on rural communities continue to affect lives and economic activities.
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