IGP Olatunji Disu pledges to reclaim communities seized by bandits in Kwara and across Nigeria.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has pledged that security forces will reclaim communities overrun by bandits in Kwara State and other parts of the country.
Disu said the police would do everything possible, both operationally and administratively, to restore peace in communities affected by banditry and criminal attacks.
The IGP made the commitment on Monday in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, while addressing officers and men of the Kwara State Police Command during his maiden visit to the state since assuming office.
He assured the officers that the police would not allow criminals to take control of communities.
“Criminals cannot chase us out of our communities. We are the owners of the towns, and we will not allow that to happen,” he said.
“We have to take back our homes and our communities. That is why I am here to tell you that all of us will take back our communities.”
Disu noted that he was familiar with the security challenges facing the state and said his visit was partly to encourage police personnel engaged in ongoing operations against bandits.
“I know Kwara State and the problems we are having. I am in the state for an operation,” he said.
The police chief commended officers of the command for their dedication and urged them to sustain their efforts in tackling crime.
“I have come to say thank you for everything you have been doing to assist us, but at the same time I want to ask for more cooperation,” he added.
Disu also acknowledged the support of the Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, noting that the state government had provided resources to assist the police command.
He said he had visited the governor to express appreciation for the support given to security agencies in the state.
“I have visited Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and thanked him. He has been very wonderful by providing a lot of things to support the police command,” the IGP said.
The police chief also appealed to residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information that could help combat criminal activities.
While speaking on security challenges in the region, Disu emphasised that not all Fulani herders are involved in banditry or kidnapping, noting that many have been assisting security agencies with intelligence.
“I say with all authority that we have a lot of Fulani people assisting us in doing our job,” he said.
He urged members of the community to continue sharing credible information with the police to help improve security.
Disu also promised to prioritise the welfare of police personnel, saying improving the wellbeing of officers would remain a key focus of his leadership.
“I want to give you my word that I will look into the welfare of policemen,” he added.