The Nigeria Police Force has made significant strides in combating terrorism, banditry, and other crimes, arresting 251 terrorists and suspected bandits, and 343 murder suspects between February and September 2026. This was disclosed by Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, during the 2026 Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers (CARSPO) in Owerri, Imo State. The IGP also revealed that the Force arrested 566 suspected armed robbers and 483 suspected cultists within the same period.
In addition to the arrests, the Nigeria Police Force also rescued 1,066 kidnapped victims and recovered 947 firearms and over 22,000 rounds of ammunition during various operations. Despite these successes, IGP Disu acknowledged that kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, and communal violence continued to pose significant threats to the lives and peace of Nigerians. He assured that the police would not relent in their efforts to tackle these security challenges, even with the approaching 2027 general elections.
The IGP emphasized that the police's responsibility in securing elections went beyond Election Day, covering the entire electoral cycle, including intelligence gathering, planning, training, protection of INEC personnel and materials, prevention of violence, and rapid response to threats. He stressed that the police's duty does not begin on election day, but rather encompasses the whole electoral cycle. This, he said, would ensure a safe and secure electoral process.
IGP Disu also warned politicians and their supporters against recruiting thugs, vote-buying, moving arms, and threatening voters or electoral officials ahead of the 2027 elections. He urged political actors to focus on issues rather than violence, emphasizing that the police would act against anyone who engages in such activities, regardless of their status. The IGP's warning is aimed at promoting a peaceful and credible electoral process.
The Nigeria Police Force will collaborate with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate electoral offences, including vote-buying and inducement. The Force will also work with prosecutors to ensure that suspects arrested for electoral offences are taken through the judicial process. This collaboration is expected to enhance the police's capacity to effectively manage election security.
The conference, which is focused on developing a Nigeria Police roadmap for effective management of election security, is expected to guide the Force's preparations for the 2027 general elections. The event brought together senior police officers to discuss strategies for securing the electoral process and addressing emerging security challenges. The IGP's address at the conference highlighted the police's commitment to ensuring a safe and secure environment for Nigerians.
The Nigeria Police Force's efforts to combat crime and secure the 2027 general elections are ongoing. With the IGP's assurance that the police will not slow down on tackling security challenges, Nigerians can expect a safer and more secure environment in the coming months. The police's collaboration with other agencies and stakeholders is expected to yield positive results in the fight against crime and electoral offences.
Key points
- The Nigeria Police Force arrested 251 terrorists and suspected bandits, and 343 murder suspects between February and September 2026.
- The police rescued 1,066 kidnapped victims and recovered 947 firearms and over 22,000 rounds of ammunition during various operations.
- The IGP warned politicians and their supporters against recruiting thugs, vote-buying, moving arms, and threatening voters or electoral officials ahead of the 2027 elections.
