Jane Salihu
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has highlighted the Nigeria Police Force’s sustained efforts to build safer communities through intensified counter-kidnapping and anti-banditry operations, strengthened Police presence and improved community engagement.
Disu made this known while representing the Nigeria Police Force at the second United States-Nigeria Country of Particular Concern (CPC) Joint Working Group meeting held on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, in Washington, D.C.
According to the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, in a statement issued on Thursday, the meeting reviewed progress on the Joint Working Group Roadmap for the April to June 2026 reporting period and explored areas for stronger cooperation between Nigeria and the United States.
The IGP was part of the Nigerian delegation comprising the National Security Adviser, Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Interior and Defence, Service Chiefs, as well as heads of other security and law enforcement agencies.
Presenting the Police Force’s contributions to the implementation of the roadmap, Disu highlighted sustained operations against kidnappers and bandits, increased Police presence in vulnerable communities, early-warning mechanisms and measures aimed at protecting and facilitating the safe return of Internally Displaced Persons.
He disclosed that personnel from specialised Police formations were deployed across vulnerable Local Government Areas during the reporting period to reinforce public safety and deter violent extremist and criminal groups.
Disu also disclosed that the recruitment of 50,000 Police Constables was advancing towards the final pre-training stage, with preparations underway for comprehensive training based on an improved curriculum and international best practices.
The IGP further stressed the importance of community engagement, noting that the Force has strengthened collaboration with traditional rulers, religious leaders and other stakeholders to build public trust, promote religious tolerance and encourage peaceful coexistence.
He reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to lawful and professional investigations, civilian protection, human rights and due process, stressing that these principles remain essential to the Force’s role in Nigeria’s broader counterterrorism and criminal justice framework.
Disu assured that the NPF would continue to contribute to the Joint Working Group Roadmap through professional policing, stronger community protection, enhanced investigative capacity and support for Nigeria’s broader security and rule-of-law objectives.
