Terrorism, banditry, kidnapping still cost Nigerians’ lives despite police achievements – IGP

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, Monday said terrorism, banditary, kidnappings and comunal violence still cost Nigerians their lives and peace of mind, despite the numerous achievements the Nigeria Police have recorded since he came into office in February, 2026.

According to him, “Since assuming office in February 2026, our officers  have arrested 251 terrorists and suspected bandits, 343 murder suspects, 566 armed robbery suspects and 483 suspected cultists. They have also rescued 1,066 kidnap víctims and recovered 947 firearms and over 22,000 rounds of ammunition.

“But let me be honest, kidnapping, banditry, terrorism and communal violence still cost Nigerians their lives and their peace of mind and numbers do not console a grieving family.”

The IGP, who was in Owerri for the opening oeremony of the 2026 Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers (CARSPO) as part of Nigerian Police Force (NPF) preparation for the up coming elections, assured that despite threats, the force would not slow down but would fight and secure the election at the same time.

He advised politicians to compete with ideas, not with thugs and should not hire mobs, buy votes, move arms or threaten voters and electoral officers as the police would act against anyone engaged in that, whatever their status.

He advised Nigerians to go out and vote peacefully during the 2027 elections and report any wrongdoing to the force as phone numbers for a public election complaints  line would be shared by the Force Public Relations department.