Terrorism, banditry and kidnappings continue to cost Nigerians their lives despite police findings – IGP

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on Monday said terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and communal violence continue to cost Nigerians their lives and peace of mind, despite numerous achievements the Nigerian Police have recorded since he took office in February 2026.

According to him, “since assuming office in February 2026, our officers have arrested 251 terrorists and suspected bandits, 343 murder suspects, 566 armed robbery suspects and 483 suspected cultists. They have also rescued 1,066 kidnapping victims and recovered 947 firearms and over 22,000 rounds of ammunition.

“But let me be honest, kidnappings, banditry, terrorism and communal violence continue to cost Nigerians their lives and their peace and numbers do not console a grieving family.”

The IGP, who was in Owerri for the opening ceremony of the Senior Police Officers Conference and Retreat 2026 (CARSPO) as part of the preparation of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) for the upcoming elections, assured that despite the threats, the forces will not slow down but will fight and at the same time secure the elections.

He advised politicians to compete with ideas, not thugs and not to hire mobs, buy votes, move weapons or threaten voters and election officials as the police would take action against anyone involved in this, whatever their status.

He advised Nigerians to come out and vote peacefully during the 2027 elections and to report any wrongdoing to law enforcement agencies as telephone numbers for a public election complaint line would be shared by the force’s public relations department.