The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has paid an emotional tribute to Inspector John Jerome Abena, the officer who lost his life during the rescue of abducted schoolchildren in Oyo State. The police chief also praised other officers who were injured during the dangerous operation, describing their courage as a reminder of the sacrifices security personnel make to protect Nigerians.
The Oyo schoolchildren rescue has continued to attract national attention. However, while the successful operation brought relief to the children’s families, it also left the Nigeria Police Force mourning one of its own. Consequently, the IGP used the occasion to honour the late officer and reassure injured personnel that they would not be abandoned.
Speaking while receiving officers who participated in the rescue mission, Disu said the gathering was not only to celebrate the successful operation. Moreover, it was meant to recognise the bravery of every officer involved and to honour the memory of Inspector Abena, whose life was lost in active service.
According to the IGP, policing remains one of the most demanding professions because officers willingly place themselves in harm’s way to protect lives and property.
He said, “Police officers are human beings. Police officers have emotions. They feel it whenever a colleague dies. Everywhere in the world, it is known that officers who die in the line of duty should be celebrated and remembered. We must continue to honour them because they laid down their lives protecting the people.”
Furthermore, Disu noted that every police officer deployed for patrols, checkpoints or special assignments performs a constitutional duty that often comes with great personal risk.
He revealed that although the rescue operation ended successfully, the mission came at a heavy cost. Besides the death of Inspector Abena, several other officers sustained injuries while confronting the kidnappers.
The police chief, however, assured the injured officers that their welfare remains a top priority.
He said, “We will not leave them behind. Officers who sustained injuries during the operation are being taken care of. Our hospitals are open to them, and where additional medical care is required, we are paying to ensure they receive the best treatment possible.”
Meanwhile, Disu stressed that the era of neglecting families of officers who die in service must come to an end. According to him, the Nigeria Police Force has resolved to stand firmly behind families of fallen officers.
He stated, “It will not be like in the past when officers died and nothing was heard about them. They are important to this nation, and we must let them know how important they are. We will continue to take care of the families of our fallen officers because their sacrifices can never be repaid.”
In addition, the IGP praised the Chief of Defence Staff, service chiefs and other security agencies for what he described as exceptional teamwork throughout the operation. He disclosed that the mission involved several strategic meetings, intelligence sharing and coordinated planning before the rescue was carried out.
Disu said, “We held meetings upon meetings, including midnight meetings and deliberations. The synergy was top-notch. Everybody contributed personnel and expertise. We have all come to realise that we are serving one nation. No security agency is more important than another. We have made up our minds to continue working together, training together and fighting insecurity together.”
Furthermore, he urged Nigerians to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information whenever suspicious activities are noticed.
The police chief reminded citizens that fighting insecurity requires the cooperation of everyone.
He appealed, “Insecurity affects everybody. Security is everybody’s business. If you see something, say something. Cooperate with security agencies because the life you save may even be your own.”
