The successful rescue of abducted students and teachers in Oyo State has earned praise within the Nigeria Police Force.
However, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, says the achievement should not lead to complacency but instead inspire officers to intensify the fight against crime.
Speaking during the Nigeria Police Force’s monthly strategic conference at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, the IGP stressed that recent successes must become a stepping stone for stronger security operations. Moreover, he urged senior officers to remain proactive because criminal groups continue to change their methods across the country.
The update also revealed impressive nationwide results, including the arrest of 1,198 suspects, the rescue of 166 kidnapping victims, and the recovery of hundreds of firearms and stolen vehicles.
Addressing Commissioners of Police and other senior officers, Disu said the recent Oyo rescue operation showed the value of intelligence-led policing and close cooperation among security agencies.
He explained that the operation succeeded because of collaboration between the police, the armed forces, other security agencies, and members of the public who provided timely intelligence.
According to the IGP, community support remains one of the strongest weapons against crime.
He therefore encouraged Nigerians to continue reporting suspicious movements and criminal activities to security agencies.
Disu noted that the country’s security environment remains complex.
Furthermore, he warned that criminal groups constantly adjust their tactics to evade law enforcement.
Rather than depending on routine policing, the IGP instructed every Commissioner of Police to develop strategies that reflect the unique security challenges within their respective states.
He stressed that success should not be judged by the number of operations carried out.
Instead, officers should focus on measurable improvements in public safety and crime reduction.
In addition, Disu ordered that every major operation should be reviewed after completion.
According to him, post-operation assessments will help identify strengths, weaknesses, and valuable lessons for future assignments.
The police chief also presented an overview of nationwide operations conducted since the last strategic conference held on June 9.
According to the latest security report, police operatives arrested 1,198 suspects across Nigeria during the period.
The breakdown showed that 151 suspects were arrested for murder and culpable homicide.
Another 117 suspects were apprehended for armed robbery. Meanwhile, 151 suspected kidnappers were also taken into custody during different operations.
Police further arrested 104 suspected cultists and 169 suspects linked to illegal possession of firearms.
The report also showed that 166 kidnap victims were rescued safely during separate rescue missions across the country.
Furthermore, police recovered 166 firearms and 1,475 rounds of ammunition from criminal suspects.
Investigators also recovered 47 stolen vehicles, dealing another blow to organised criminal groups.
The latest IGP Police Operations figures underline the continued efforts by the Nigeria Police Force to improve security through intelligence, strategic planning, and coordinated operations.
Moreover, the police leadership believes stronger cooperation with citizens will remain critical in preventing crime before it occurs.
