Police Rescue 88 Kidnap Victims, Recover 114 Guns, Says IGP Disu

The Nigeria Police Force has rescued 88 kidnapped victims and recovered 114 firearms in a series of operations carried out across the country, Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Rilwan Disu has disclosed.

Disu made the revelation today during the monthly conference with strategic senior officers of the Force at the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Peacekeeping Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja.

The conference brought together Deputy Inspectors-General of Police, Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, Commissioners of Police and other senior officers to review the nation’s security situation and assess ongoing policing strategies.

Addressing the gathering, the IGP said the Force had recorded significant operational successes since its last conference in May 2026.

According to him, police operatives arrested eight suspected terrorists, 55 kidnapping suspects, 65 armed robbery suspects, 29 murder suspects and 42 suspected cultists during various operations nationwide.

He added that apart from rescuing 88 kidnap victims, the Police also recovered 843 rounds of ammunition and 28 stolen vehicles from criminal elements.

The IGP, however, noted that the country continues to face complex security challenges, including kidnapping, armed robbery, cult-related violence, terrorism, banditry, farmer-herder conflicts and cyber-enabled crimes.

He charged senior officers to remain proactive, intelligence-driven and adaptable in tackling emerging threats, stressing the need for stronger leadership, improved coordination and more effective operational responses.

Disu also directed Commissioners of Police across the country to intensify intelligence gathering, deepen community policing initiatives and institutionalise regular engagements with key stakeholders.

He urged police commanders to strengthen collaboration with traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, market associations, transport unions and other community stakeholders, describing public trust and community partnership as critical to effective policing and crime prevention.

Reaffirming the Force’s commitment to professionalism and accountability, the police chief urged senior officers to lead by example, maintain discipline within their commands and prioritise personnel welfare.

He further emphasised the need for strategic engagement with the media to improve public understanding of policing activities and counter misinformation

The IGP assured Nigerians that the Force would continue to strengthen intelligence-led policing, strategic leadership and community partnerships in its efforts to protect lives and property and enhance public safety across the country.