IGP Disu Says Police Arrest 1,198 Suspects, Rescue 166 Kidnap Victims in Six Weeks
…Commends Oyo Rescue Operation, Urges Intelligence-Driven Policing and Public Collaboration
By Raphael Ekpang
Abuja (Core Reporters) As the quest to subdue criminal elements’ operation in Nigeria gathered momentum the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has disclosed that the Nigeria Police Force arrested 1,198 suspects for various crimes across the country between June 9 and July 21, 2026, while also rescuing 166 kidnap victims in sustained nationwide anti-crime operations.
Disu disclosed this on Tuesday July 21, during the monthly conference with Strategic Senior Police Officers at the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Peacekeeping Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja. The IGP said the Force remains committed to intelligence-led policing and stronger inter-agency collaboration to tackle the country’s evolving security challenges.
According to him, the arrested suspects include 151 for murder and culpable homicide, 117 for armed robbery, 151 for kidnapping, 104 suspected cultists, and 169 persons arrested for unlawful possession of firearms.
He added that police operatives also recovered 166 assorted firearms, 1,475 rounds of ammunition of various calibres, and 47 stolen vehicles during the period under review.
The IGP commended officers and men of the Force for their dedication and sacrifices in protecting lives and property despite difficult operational conditions.
“Nigeria’s security environment remains demanding. While we have recorded significant successes, terrorism, kidnapping, banditry, armed robbery, cult-related violence, cybercrime and other organised criminal activities continue to evolve, and we must evolve faster than they do,” he said.
Disu directed all Commissioners of Police and strategic commanders to strengthen intelligence gathering, enhance surveillance, improve visibility policing and ensure that operational deployments are based on credible intelligence rather than routine practices.
He stressed that the success of policing should be measured by security outcomes rather than the number of operations conducted, urging commanders to develop state-specific security strategies tailored to local realities while aligning with national policing objectives.
The IGP also highlighted the recent rescue of abducted students and teachers in Oyo State as a model of effective security collaboration.
He attributed the successful operation to seamless cooperation among the Nigeria Police Force, the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies and members of the public who provided timely and credible information.
“The operation demonstrated what can be achieved when security agencies work together with a genuine sense of common purpose. Careful planning, honest inter-agency cooperation and quality intelligence remain the foundation of successful operations,” he stated.
While commending officers involved in the rescue, Disu cautioned against complacency, noting that every operational success should inspire greater commitment to improving security nationwide.
He equally appreciated members of the public whose information contributed to the rescue and urged Nigerians to continue partnering with security agencies by reporting suspicious activities.
“Lasting security depends on genuine partnership between the police and the communities we serve. Every piece of information matters. If you see something, say something,” the IGP said.
Core Reporters report that IGP Disu reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to professionalism, accountability and continuous improvement in delivering effective policing across the country.
