Nigeria’s police officers continue to risk their lives despite lacking some basic equipment needed for their duties.
Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu has drawn attention to the challenges facing officers across the country.
Speaking in a video circulating on social media, Disu told Defence Minister General Christopher Musa (retd.) that officers keep working despite these challenges.
He said: “Every day, policemen are dying. We don’t have the equipment needed to do this job, but we are still doing it.”
Another version of the statement widely shared online reads: “Everyday Policemen are dying, we don’t have the equipment to do this job, but we still come out and do it.”
Disu’s comments have renewed attention on the shortage of equipment and welfare support within the Nigeria Police Force.
His remarks come amid ongoing security challenges involving bandits, terrorists, and armed groups.
Police officers often face these threats with limited protective gear, vehicles and weapons.
Many police stations also struggle with inadequate transport and other basic working facilities.
The concerns also follow Musa’s recent call for stronger police capacity.
The defence minister said military personnel had become exhausted from prolonged internal security operations.
He also indicated that the military would gradually reduce its internal security duties as the police improve their capacity.
The military would, however, continue providing support when necessary.
Figures compiled from news reports and confirmed by police authorities indicate that at least 98 officers died across 21 states between January and October 2026.
Bandits reportedly accounted for about 35 deaths, while gunmen were linked to 29.
Boko Haram attacks accounted for another 22 deaths during the period.
Yobe recorded the highest number, with 17 officers killed. Zamfara and Kebbi followed with 14 deaths each.
In August, 10 officers reportedly died during a confrontation with bandits in Kebbi State.
Disu has also spoken about the human cost of police operations.
In June 2026, he said the Force was “losing our men while doing it,” while discussing officers killed during an explosive disposal operation in Maiduguri.
He has repeatedly called for better funding, equipment, housing, pensions and welfare support.
On November 4, 2026, Disu met Police Affairs Minister Ibrahim Gaidam to discuss personnel welfare and operational support.
The meeting also covered security preparations for the 2027 elections and pension concerns affecting serving and retired officers.
Although the police have made welfare payments to families of fallen officers, equipment shortages remain a major concern.
Disu’s latest comments highlight the risks officers face while carrying out their duties.
