The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has expressed concern over the increasing number of attacks and killings of police officers across the country, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to national security and law enforcement efforts.
The police chief made the remarks amid a series of violent incidents targeting security personnel in different parts of Nigeria. He noted that officers continue to face significant risks while carrying out their constitutional duty of protecting lives and property, often becoming targets of criminal groups and armed assailants.
Disu described the loss of police personnel in the line of duty as a painful development for the Force and the nation, stressing that attacks on law enforcement officers undermine public safety and weaken efforts to combat crime and insecurity.
The IGP recently paid a condolence visit to Zamfara State, where he joined officers, families and members of the public in mourning three policemen who were killed while carrying out their duties. During the visit, he reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to tackling banditry and other violent crimes across the country.
According to the police chief, the Force is intensifying intelligence-led policing strategies and strengthening operational coordination nationwide to address evolving security threats. He has directed senior officers to adopt proactive measures, improve intelligence gathering and enhance collaboration among commands to prevent attacks on security personnel and civilians.
Disu emphasized that police officers operate under difficult and often dangerous conditions, urging Nigerians to support security agencies in their efforts to maintain peace and order. He also called for greater public cooperation in providing credible information that could help prevent crimes and facilitate the arrest of those responsible for attacks on law enforcement personnel.
The IGP assured officers and their families that the Force remains committed to improving personnel welfare, morale and operational effectiveness. As part of these efforts, the police leadership recently approved the promotion of nearly 18,000 junior officers nationwide, a move aimed at rewarding diligence and boosting motivation within the Force.
Security analysts have warned that continued attacks on police officers could further strain Nigeria’s security architecture, particularly as the country battles banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and other forms of violent crime. They argue that protecting law enforcement personnel is critical to maintaining effective policing and ensuring public safety.
The Nigeria Police Force has vowed to pursue those responsible for attacks on its personnel and to strengthen measures aimed at safeguarding officers deployed across the country.
