Nigeria’s security landscape may be heading for a major shift after Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, unveiled a series of tough measures aimed at tackling crime across the country.
Speaking during a strategic conference attended by senior police officers and members of the press, the police chief announced new directives designed to strengthen security operations nationwide.
Among the most surprising measures was an immediate order targeting vehicles operating without registration plates or with concealed numbers.
The announcement comes at a time when concerns over kidnapping, armed robbery, terrorism, banditry, cybercrime, and cult-related violence continue to grow in several parts of the country.
According to the police boss, criminals have increasingly exploited anonymous vehicles to carry out crimes and avoid detection. Therefore, enforcement teams have been directed to intensify operations against offenders.
“I wish to state unequivocally that from today, the Nigeria Police Force will no longer tolerate such acts of impunity,” Disu said.
He added: “Every vehicle operating on our roads must be properly registered and must display its approved registration number plates in accordance with the law.”
Furthermore, the IGP revealed that Deputy Inspectors-General of Police would be deployed to geopolitical zones beginning June 15, 2026.
In addition, Commissioners of Police across the country were directed to establish what the police chief described as “Handshake Patrols” with neighboring states.
“Criminals do not respect state boundaries,” Disu stated.
He explained that closer cooperation between state commands would help close security gaps often exploited by criminal groups.
Meanwhile, the police chief provided an update on ongoing security operations across the country. He disclosed that significant progress has been made in the rescue efforts involving abducted schoolchildren in Oyo State.
“The abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo State remains an active operation,” he said.
“I wish to assure their families and all Nigerians that the full operational capacity of the Force, in coordination with sister security agencies, has been committed to securing their safe return.”
Moreover, he praised officers involved in the rescue of Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her twin sons, Peter and Paul, who were recently freed from captivity.
According to him, intelligence gathering and tactical operations played a key role in the successful mission.
The conference also highlighted several achievements recorded under ongoing Nigeria Police security operations.
Since the last meeting, eight suspected terrorists have been arrested. Additionally, 55 kidnapping suspects and 65 armed robbery suspects were apprehended.
Furthermore, 42 suspected cult members were arrested during separate operations nationwide.
Police records presented during the conference showed that 88 kidnapping victims were rescued. A total of 114 firearms and 843 rounds of ammunition were also recovered.
Meanwhile, an intelligence-led operation in Abuja reportedly stopped five suspected kidnappers before they could carry out planned attacks.
The police chief stressed that intelligence remains the foundation of effective policing. He urged officers to strengthen ties with communities and improve information sharing.
“Community policing is not a slogan,” Disu said.
“It is a practical policing philosophy that recognises that security is best achieved when law enforcement agencies work in genuine partnership with citizens.”
