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The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Disu, has announced operational successes made by the Force through intelligence gathering to include arrest of 218 banditry and terrorism suspects, 85 suspected armed robbers, 129 suspects for murder and culpable homicide, 59 suspected kidnappers and 120 suspected cultists.
The IGP also cancelled leave for all officers and directed commissioners of Police to submit documented and verified banditry flash points to the Force headquarters within 72 hours.
IGP equally said the force has rescued 95 kidnap victims, recovered 306 assorted firearms and 630 rounds of ammunition of various calibres, along with 116 stolen vehicles within one month .
Speaking at his monthly conference with strategic senior officers of the Nigerian Police Force , IGP Disu commended the officers for the success and paid special tribute to all fallen heroes with a directive that all their outstanding death benefits and entitlements be cleared without delay, adding that no family of the deceased should be left to struggle.
On banditry crisis the IGP directed all Commissioners of Police in affected commands to submit updated threat assessments and operational requirements to Force Headquarters within 72 hours.
“I want specifics, not generalities. The DIG in charge of Operations is to coordinate the immediate deployment of additional personnel, mobility and air support to the most affected areas, in consultation with the commands concerned.
Intelligence-led operations must be sustained and intensified. Every command must have a standing operational plan for its high-risk zones.
Community intelligence must be deepened.
“Traditional rulers, village heads, hunters’ associations and local vigilante groups in affected areas must be engaged and incorporated into our intelligence architecture. The people know who the bandits are. We must give them the confidence to tell us”.
The IGP also warned that Police officers are not elected office holders and must always work in the overall interest of Nigeria and respect their uniforms.
“I want to be clear: 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.
“As we approach another important electoral period, I wish to emphasise that the Nigeria Police Force remains a strictly non-partisan institution. Our allegiance is to the Constitution and the Nigerian people. It is our responsibility to guarantee a safe and secure environment for all electoral participants, irrespective of their political affiliation. Every candidate, political party, supporter and eligible voter is entitled to equal protection under the law.
“I will not tolerate any officer using the authority of the Police to advance the interest of any political party, candidate or sponsor. Any officer found to be colluding with political actors, facilitating thuggery, compromising the integrity of the electoral process or interfering with the rights of voters will be disciplined according to the law.
“Consequently, I expect all Commissioners of Police to commence and sustain comprehensive preparations within their respective commands.
”Specifically, all leave is cancelled for officers and men deployed for election security duties, effective immediately.
“All Commissioners of Police and senior officers are to remain in their respective commands until the conclusion of the electoral process. Any travel outside your command requires express approval from Force Headquarters.
All election security equipment, communications, mobility and protective gear must be verified and reported ready by the end of this week.
“Commands must establish direct coordination with INEC officials, the military, DSS and NSCDC in their respective states. We are the lead agency for election security, and we must lead by example, not by rivalry or friction.
Every command must submit a daily situation report to Force Headquarters throughout the electoral period.
“The DIG in charge of Operations will coordinate this reporting and brief me directly every morning”.
