IGP Hails Efforts at Arresting 1,198 Suspects, Rescuing 166 Kidnap Victims, Warns Against Complacency
By Pan Afric Reporters
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has disclosed that the Nigeria Police Force arrested 1,198 criminal suspects and rescued 166 kidnapped victims nationwide between June 9 and July 21, 2026, as he charged Commissioners of Police and tactical commanders to sustain the momentum against insecurity through intelligence-led policing, professionalism and stronger collaboration with communities and other security agencies.
Speaking on Tuesday during the Conference with Senior Police Officers in Abuja, the IGP commended officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force for their courage, resilience and dedication to safeguarding lives and property despite the country’s evolving security challenges.
He noted that while significant progress had been recorded in the fight against crime, threats such as terrorism, kidnapping, banditry, armed robbery, cultism, cybercrime and other organised criminal activities remained persistent, stressing that the Force must continually adapt its strategies to stay ahead of criminals.
According to him, “Nigeria’s security environment remains demanding. We have recorded great successes in recent months, but terrorism, kidnapping, banditry, armed robbery, cult-related violence, cybercrime and other organised criminal activities continue to evolve, and we have to evolve faster than them.”
The police chief urged commanders to adopt state-specific policing strategies and ensure every operation undergoes a comprehensive review to identify lessons that would improve future operations.
Giving an account of recent operational achievements, Disu revealed that since the last conference held on June 9, 2026, police operatives across the country had arrested 1,198 suspects for various offences.
He broke down the figure to include 151 suspects arrested for murder and culpable homicide, 117 for armed robbery, 151 for kidnapping, 147 suspected cultists, and 169 persons for unlawful possession of firearms.
The IGP further disclosed that police operations led to the rescue of 166 kidnapped victims, the recovery of 166 firearms, 1,475 rounds of ammunition of various calibres, and more than 47 stolen vehicles.
“Behind every one of these numbers is an officer who did the job so well, often at the risk of personal injury. I want that to be understood and known that we notice what you do,” he said.
Oyo Rescue Operation
IGP Disu singled out the recent rescue of abducted students and teachers in Oyo State as a model of successful inter-agency cooperation.
He said the operation succeeded because of effective collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force, the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies and members of the public who provided credible and timely information.
“The operation succeeded because of close collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force, the Armed Forces of Nigeria, other security and intelligence agencies, and members of the public who came forward with timely and credible information,” he stated.
The IGP explained that security agencies deliberately exercised patience during the operation despite intense public pressure, saying the cautious approach ensured the victims were rescued safely.
“We took our time. We did not rush despite the pressure. We took the best decision, which we are all happy about today.”
He, however, cautioned officers against becoming complacent.
“A win like this should sharpen our resolve and not soften it. Every achievement should push us to improve further, not to relax,” he warned.
The police boss also appreciated members of the public whose intelligence contributed to the successful operation, urging Nigerians to continue reporting suspicious activities.
“If you see something, say something. Every piece of information matters. Together we can make it harder for criminal elements to operate.”
Professionalism, Discipline
The IGP reminded Commissioners of Police that effective policing begins with effective leadership, stressing that leadership should be measured by results, integrity and public confidence rather than rank or authority.
He directed all police commanders to maintain operational readiness while ensuring officers uphold professionalism, discipline and respect for the rights of citizens.
“Corruption, extortion, abuse of authority, unlawful detention and every form of unethical conduct undermine everything we are trying to build and will not be tolerated at any level,” he declared.
Community Policing
Reaffirming the importance of community policing, Disu described it as the foundation of modern policing rather than a standalone programme.
He directed Commissioners of Police to strengthen partnerships with traditional rulers, religious leaders, schools, youth and women’s groups, community associations and other stakeholders to improve crime prevention and intelligence gathering.
Leadership Workshop
To strengthen leadership capacity within the Force, the IGP announced that all Commissioners of Police and tactical commanders would participate in a three-day leadership workshop scheduled to hold from July 22 to 24, 2026, at the Nigeria Police School of Public Relations.
According to him, the training will focus on leadership, communication, emotional intelligence and decision-making to enhance police service delivery in an era of heightened public scrutiny.
Commitment to Welfare and National Security
Disu assured officers that the Force would continue to prioritise personnel welfare, professional training and reward systems to boost morale and operational efficiency.
He also called on senior officers to mentor younger personnel and promote a culture where integrity and professionalism are recognised and rewarded.
The IGP reiterated that effective security requires a whole-of-government approach built on intelligence sharing, mutual respect and close collaboration among security agencies.
He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support to the Nigeria Police Force, saying government investments in operational capability, personnel development, technology and institutional reforms were already yielding positive results.
He concluded by urging senior police officers to return to their respective commands with renewed determination to build a more professional, intelligence-led and community-focused police force.
“We are responsible for public confidence, national stability and the democratic values this republic stands for. Let this conference renew our shared resolve to build a police force that is intelligence-led, professionally competent and trusted by the people. Together we will keep strengthening national security and building a force that future generations can be proud of.”
