IGP Disu visits Zamfara, honours officers killed in anti-banditry operations

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on Tuesday paid a working visit to Zamfara State, where he joined police officers, families of slain personnel and residents in observing the Islamic funeral prayer (Salat al-Janazah) for three officers who lost their lives while combating criminal activities in the state.

The visit formed part of efforts by the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force to honour the fallen officers and boost the morale of personnel engaged in ongoing security operations against banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes in the North-West state.

The IGP was received by senior government officials and security stakeholders, including the Secretary to the Zamfara State Government, Mallam Abubakar M. Nakwada, who represented Governor Dauda Lawal at the funeral and related engagements.

Following the funeral prayers, Disu visited the Zamfara State Police Command, where he commiserated with officers and men over the loss of their colleagues and reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to restoring peace and security across the state.

Addressing officers during the visit, the police chief described the deceased officers as gallant personnel who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation while confronting criminal elements threatening the safety of residents.

He conveyed the condolences of the Force Management Team and the entire Nigeria Police Force to the families of the fallen officers, assuring them that their sacrifices would be remembered and honoured by the Force.

According to him, although the deaths of the officers were painful, they would further strengthen the resolve of the police to intensify ongoing operations against bandits, kidnappers and other criminal groups operating in the state.

Disu urged officers to remain focused, disciplined and professional in carrying out their duties, stressing that criminal elements would not be allowed to derail the determination of security agencies to secure Zamfara and other parts of the country affected by insecurity.

The Inspector-General also commended the Zamfara State Police Command for what he described as impressive operational achievements recorded in recent months.

He cited the arrest of criminal suspects, recovery of explosives and other dangerous materials, rescue of kidnapped victims, recovery of stolen motorcycles and successful operations targeting armed bandits as evidence of the command’s commitment to tackling insecurity.

According to him, the successes demonstrate the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing, operational dedication and collaboration among security agencies in addressing the security challenges confronting the state.

The police chief assured personnel that the Force leadership would continue to prioritise improvements in operational capacity, logistics, welfare and other resources required for effective policing.

He further emphasised the need for sustained intelligence gathering, stronger community partnerships and enhanced cooperation with other security agencies to consolidate gains recorded in the fight against banditry and violent crime.

Disu charged officers and men of the command to remain steadfast in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities, noting that the greatest tribute they could pay to their fallen colleagues was to continue working towards peace, security and justice for the people of Zamfara State.

The Inspector-General reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to supporting its personnel and strengthening nationwide efforts aimed at protecting lives and property, combating violent crime and improving public safety across the country.

The statement was issued by Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Okon Placid, on behalf of the Force Headquarters in Abuja.