Nigeria's IGP Raises Alarm Over Rising Killings of Police Officers

Nigeria's top police official has voiced grave concern over the rising number of officers killed in the line of duty, emphasizing the daily sacrifices made in the fight against insecurity.

“

We are losing our men while doing it.

Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu spoke Tuesday in Enugu, lamenting the casualties the Force sustains while confronting crime, insurgency, and banditry. "We are losing our men while doing it," he stated, recalling the recent deaths of three officers from the Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit in Maiduguri. These officers died while attempting to detonate an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted by insurgents, Disu explained, noting they had disregarded advice to postpone the operation to prevent potential civilian casualties.

“

They were dedicated officers who wanted to save lives. Unfortunately, they fell into the trap laid by the insurgents, and we lost them.

Despite these losses, Disu assured Nigerians that security agencies are working tirelessly and "day and night" to combat insecurity. He pledged that "very soon Nigerians will hear good news," though he acknowledged that current operations may not be publicly disclosed. The IGP also reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force's commitment to ensuring peaceful, credible, and violence-free elections, noting the Force's successful role in past polls and its ongoing efforts to train personnel on evolving electoral laws and security challenges.

“

We are not sleeping on our oars. We are working day and night. What we are doing may not be made public, but very soon Nigerians will hear good news.

Addressing critical issues of manpower shortages and the ongoing debate about state police, Disu admitted the Force is "overstretched" and lacks sufficient personnel. However, he revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 50,000 police personnel, with the process already at the medical screening stage. He also mentioned that police training institutions have been refurbished and plans are in motion to recruit even more officers. Disu pledged to increase police manpower in Enugu State following discussions with Governor Peter Mbah.

“

As the lead agency in election security, we must continue to update our thinking and procedures.