The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has applauded Police officers involved in the rescue operation of the kidnapped school children in Oyo state, South West Nigeria.
IGP Disu also called on Nigerians to actively support security agencies in tackling insecurity, stressing that “public cooperation remains critical to safeguarding lives and property across the country”
Disu gave the commendation in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital while speaking to journalists during an official reception held for police officers who participated in the successful rescue of kidnapped school children and teachers in Oyo State
He hailed the courage and resilience of the gallant officers, particularly the wounded and John Jerome Abena who lost his live during the operation, noting the supreme price he paid would not be in vain.
On the importance of recognising officers who die in active service, Disu said fallen personnel deserve honour for the sacrifices they make in protecting Nigerians.
“Police officers, first and foremost, are human beings. Police officers have emotions. Police officers feel it when a colleague dies, I will continue to talk about it anytime we lose our men who died in active service protecting the people. We want them to know what the officers are doing.”
According to him, the Nigeria Police Force is committed to supporting the families of officers who lose their lives in the line of duty.
The Police chief said security agencies were recording successes in different parts of the country, citing the recent rescue of three kidnapped victims by operatives of the Kogi State Police Command.
“A lot of operations are going on simultaneously everywhere in the country. Yesterday, the operatives of the Kogi Command were able to rescue three people who were kidnapped in almost the same circumstances. The thing is happening everywhere and daily police officers and other sister agencies are recording successes.” The IGP stated.
He assured journalists that the Force would improve public communication by providing more regular updates on security operations.
“I will ensure that we intensify giving you reports as it is happening
“It will not be like in the past when officers died and you don’t see anything about it. They are important and we should make them know how important they are to the nation,” he said, adding that “the lives of every police officer and other security agencies matter.”
Disu also commended the growing collaboration among security agencies, describing inter-agency synergy as essential to combating criminality and insurgency.
“The synergy is top-notch. Everybody worked together, contributed men and put up their expertise. We have come to realise that it is one nation that we are serving. It is one security force. Nobody is more important than the other. We have made up our minds to work together, train together and fight this insurgency together.” IGP Disu stressed.
Calling on citizens to play their part, the Inspector-General said insecurity affects every Nigerian and cannot be left to security agencies alone.
“Insecurity affects everybody. Security is everybody’s business. As they say, the community are the police and the police are the community.” He said.
The IGP urged members of the public to volunteer credible information to security agencies, saying timely intelligence could prevent attacks and save lives.
“If you see something, say something. Cooperate with the security agency. Give us information. Assist us to nip it in the bud, because the life you save may be your own,” Disu said.
