RismadarVoice Reporters
September 21, 2026
Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has acknowledged that terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and communal violence continue to cost Nigerians their lives and peace of mind despite operational gains recorded by the Nigeria Police Force.
Disu spoke on Monday in Owerri, Imo State, at the opening of the 2026 Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers, CARSPO, where the Force’s preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections formed part of discussions.
Giving an account of police operations since he assumed office in February 2026, the IGP said officers had arrested 251 terrorists and suspected bandits, 343 murder suspects, 566 armed robbery suspects and 483 suspected cultists.
He said the Force had also rescued 1,066 kidnap victims and recovered 947 firearms and more than 22,000 rounds of ammunition.
Disu, however, said the statistics could not diminish the impact of continuing insecurity on affected families.
“Kidnapping, banditry, terrorism and communal violence still cost Nigerians their lives and their peace of mind,” he said, adding that “numbers do not console a grieving family.”
The IGP said preparations for the 2027 general elections would not cause the Force to reduce its operations against existing security threats, stressing that both responsibilities would be pursued simultaneously.
On security for the 2027 general elections, Disu warned politicians and their supporters against using violence, vote buying, arms or intimidation.
“To politicians and their supporters, my message is simple. Compete with ideas, not with thugs,” he said.
He said the police would act against anyone found violating electoral laws, irrespective of political or social status.
Disu also urged Nigerians to participate peacefully in the 2027 general elections and report suspected electoral offences, saying public channels would be provided for complaints.
The IGP said police preparations for the 2027 general elections would include intelligence gathering, planning, training, protection of electoral personnel and materials, prevention of violence and rapid response to threats.
