LIFESTYLE Culture

Police Arrest 218 Bandits, Rescue 95 Kidnap Victims

by admin on | 2026-11-12 13:40:30

Share: Facebook | Twitter | Whatsapp | Linkedin Visits:

---

Police Arrest 218 Bandits, Rescue 95 Kidnap Victims

By Maryam Muhammad 

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, has disclosed that the Nigeria Police Force arrested 218 suspected bandits and terrorists and rescued 95 kidnap victims in its operations since the last monthly conference.

Disu disclosed on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, during the monthly conference with strategic senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force at the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Peacekeeping Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja.

He said the operations also led to the arrest of 85 suspected armed robbers, 129 murder and culpable homicide suspects, 59 suspected kidnappers and 120 suspected cultists.

According to him, the police recovered 306 assorted firearms, 630 rounds of ammunition of various calibres and 116 stolen vehicles within the period under review.

Despite these achievements, the police chief acknowledged that bandit attacks remain ongoing in some parts of the country, with affected communities continuing to face threats to their safety and livelihoods.

He consequently directed Commissioners of Police in affected commands to submit updated threat assessments and operational requirements to Force Headquarters within 72 hours.

He also ordered the immediate deployment of additional personnel, mobility and air support to the most affected areas, while directing commands to intensify intelligence-led operations and strengthen collaboration with traditional rulers, village heads, hunters' associations and local vigilante groups.

"The bandits do not rest. Neither shall we," Disu declared, stressing that the Force would not relent in its efforts to protect Nigerians.

On the forthcoming electoral period, the IGP reiterated that the police would remain non-partisan and provide equal protection to all political parties, candidates, supporters and eligible voters.

He warned officers against using their positions to advance the interests of politicians or political parties, threatening disciplinary action against anyone found colluding with political actors, facilitating thuggery or compromising the electoral process.

As part of preparations for election security, Disu announced the cancellation of leave for officers deployed for election duties and directed Commissioners of Police and senior officers to remain in their respective commands until the conclusion of the electoral process.

He further directed that election security equipment, communications facilities, mobility and protective gear be verified and declared ready by the end of the week.

The police chief also ordered commands to establish direct coordination with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the military, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

He said daily situation reports must be submitted to Force Headquarters throughout the electoral period.

Addressing issues of discipline and public trust, Disu warned against corruption, extortion, abuse of authority, unlawful use of force and other forms of police misconduct.

He directed all commands to establish accessible complaints-response mechanisms, ensuring that allegations of police misconduct are documented, investigated and resolved within specified timelines.

The IGP also ordered a comprehensive welfare audit across police commands to identify outstanding entitlements, accommodation deficiencies and other pressing personnel needs, with the findings to be submitted to his office within 30 days.

He particularly directed that all outstanding death benefits and entitlements owed to families of officers who died in the line of duty be cleared without further delay.

Disu charged senior officers to return to their respective commands with renewed determination, stronger supervision and commitment to measurable results, insisting that every polling unit must open, every eligible voter must be able to vote and every community facing security threats must feel the presence of the police.