IGP Orders Tougher Crime Fight as Police Arrest 1,198 Suspects

IGP Orders Tougher Crime Fight as Police Arrest 1,198 Suspects
Says 166 Kidnap Victims Rescued
Disu cautioned police commanders against complacency, stressing that every operational success should strengthen, rather than weaken, their resolve to tackle crime

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has disclosed that nationwide anti-crime operations conducted between June 9 and June 21, 2026, led to the arrest of 1,198 suspects for various criminal offences across the country, Eko Hot Blog reports.

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Speaking at the monthly conference with strategic senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force in Abuja, Disu said the operations also resulted in the rescue of 166 kidnapped victims, as well as the recovery of illegal firearms, ammunition and stolen vehicles.

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According to the police chief, those arrested include 151 suspects for murder and culpable homicide, 117 for armed robbery, 151 for kidnapping, 104 suspected cultists, and 169 persons for unlawful possession of firearms.

“Since June 9, 2026, anti-crime operations across the federation have led to the arrest of 1,198 suspects for various offences,” Disu said.

He added that police operatives recovered 166 assorted firearms, 1,475 rounds of ammunition of different calibres, and 47 stolen vehicles during the operations.

Disu commended officers involved in the operations, noting that the achievements reflected the commitment and sacrifices of personnel working under difficult conditions.

The IGP also highlighted the recent rescue of abducted students and teachers in Oyo State, describing it as a model of effective collaboration among security agencies.

“The successful rescue of the abducted students and teachers in Oyo State is a clear example of what we can achieve when Nigeria’s security agencies work together with a genuine sense of common purpose,” he said.

He attributed the success of the operation to intelligence sharing, inter-agency cooperation and credible information provided by members of the public.

While applauding the officers involved, Disu cautioned police commanders against complacency, stressing that every operational success should strengthen, rather than weaken, their resolve to tackle crime.

He also directed Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and Commissioners of Police to adopt intelligence-driven policing strategies tailored to the security challenges in their respective states.

“Nigeria’s security environment remains demanding. Terrorism, kidnapping, banditry, armed robbery, cult-related violence, cybercrime and other organised criminal activities continue to evolve, and we have to evolve faster than they do,” he said.

The IGP stressed that the effectiveness of police commands would be measured by security outcomes rather than the number of operations conducted, directing all commands to conduct post-operation reviews to improve future performance.

He further urged Nigerians to continue supporting law enforcement agencies by providing timely and credible information.

“Lasting security depends on genuine partnership between the police and the communities we serve. If you see something, say something,” Disu added.