Nigeria Police Force Ramps Up Operations Against Banditry Following IGP Directive

The Nigeria Police Force has announced a significant shift in its operational strategy to combat the persistent threat of banditry across the country. During a monthly conference held at the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Peacekeeping Centre in Abuja, Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Rilwan Disu issued a directive for the immediate deployment of additional police personnel, operational vehicles, and air support to the most affected regions.

Operational Surge and Recent Successes

The directive follows a period of heightened enforcement activity. According to the IGP, the Force has successfully apprehended 611 suspects since the last strategic meeting. These arrests cover a broad spectrum of criminal activities, including:

• 218 suspected bandits and terrorists
• 129 suspects linked to murder and culpable homicide
• 120 suspected cultists
• 85 suspected armed robbers
• 59 suspected kidnappers

In addition to these arrests, the police reported the rescue of 95 kidnapped victims and the recovery of 306 firearms, 630 rounds of ammunition, and 116 stolen vehicles. While these figures represent significant operational gains, the IGP acknowledged that many communities remain vulnerable to ongoing attacks.

Strategic Adjustments and Local Intelligence

To address the gaps in security, Disu has mandated that Commissioners of Police in affected states submit updated security threat assessments and operational requirements to Force Headquarters within a 72-hour window. The Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations has been tasked with coordinating the immediate deployment of assets to the worst-hit areas.

A core component of the new strategy involves deepening collaboration with local stakeholders. The IGP emphasized the necessity of working closely with traditional rulers, village heads, hunters’ associations, and local vigilante groups. He noted that community members often possess critical information regarding criminal elements, stating, “The people know who the bandits are. We must give them the confidence to tell us.”

Support for Personnel

Beyond operational directives, the IGP addressed the welfare of the force, specifically regarding the families of officers who have died in the line of duty. Disu instructed Commissioners of Police to personally verify all pending cases involving death benefits and entitlements. He emphasized that the families of fallen officers should not be left to face financial hardship, directing that all outstanding payments be settled immediately.

Conclusion

The IGP’s latest directives reflect a dual focus on aggressive tactical deployment and community-based intelligence gathering. By linking operational success to the welfare of its officers and the trust of the public, the Nigeria Police Force aims to sustain pressure on criminal groups. Whether these measures will lead to a sustained reduction in banditry remains to be seen as the Force moves to implement these new requirements across its state commands.

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p class=”vbna-source-note”>Source: Daily Post Nigeria

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