Police Will Not Be Intimidated-IG Vows

moRGANABLE News/security& justice

The IG further disclosed that additional bodies of the attackers had been recovered from surrounding forest areas, indicating that the casualties on the side of the bandits might be higher than initially reported.

KANO–

The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, on Monday declared that the Nigeria Police Force would not be intimidated by criminal elements, vowing that the force remains steadfast in its constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property across the country.

Disu made the declaration in Abuja during a solemn memorial parade held in honour of 10 officers of the Police Special Intervention Squad (SIS) who were killed in an encounter with suspected bandits in Kebbi State.

The officers, according to the police chief, paid the ultimate price in service to the nation during a fierce gun battle on August 10, when they intercepted a heavily armed group of bandits reportedly advancing towards neighbouring Zamfara State.

Recounting the incident, the IG said the fallen officers demonstrated exceptional bravery and professionalism in confronting the attackers despite the odds.

“On that fateful day, our personnel intercepted a heavily armed group of suspected bandits moving towards Zamfara from Kebbi. The officers fought with courage and determination in defence of the people and the nation during the ensuing engagement,” Disu said.

He noted that while the encounter resulted in the tragic loss of 10 police officers, two others sustained injuries, and two civilians also lost their lives in the crossfire.

Despite the losses, Disu emphasised that the operation dealt a significant blow to the bandits, with at least 17 of them neutralised during the exchange of gunfire.

“The sacrifice of our men, however, was not in vain because at least 17 of the suspected bandits were neutralised and four motorcycles belonging to the attackers were destroyed,” he added.

Terrorists Neutralized

IG further disclosed that additional bodies of the attackers had been recovered from surrounding forest areas, indicating that the casualties on the side of the bandits might be higher than initially reported.

The IG further disclosed that additional bodies of the attackers had been recovered from surrounding forest areas, indicating that the casualties on the side of the bandits might be higher than initially reported.

Describing the fallen officers as heroes who died in active service, Disu said they fulfilled their oath to serve and protect the nation, stressing that their courage should serve as inspiration to others in the force.

“Today we gather with heavy hearts, but with immense pride, to honour 10 gallant officers of the Nigeria Police Force who died doing what they swore to do -serve, protect, and defend lives and property,” he stated.

He reassured Nigerians that the police would remain resolute and would not retreat in the face of threats posed by banditry, terrorism, and other forms of criminality.

“We shall not be intimidated. We will not relent, and we will not allow the sacrifice of our fallen heroes to be in vain,” Disu said.

The police boss also highlighted ongoing collaboration between the police and other security agencies, including the armed forces, state governments, and local communities, in tackling insecurity nationwide.

He extended condolences to the families of the deceased officers, acknowledging the profound personal losses suffered by their loved ones.

“Behind every fallen officer is a family that has lost a husband, father, son, brother, and loved one. To the families of our fallen heroes, I extend, on behalf of the Nigeria Police Force, my deepest condolences. We grieve with you, we stand with you, and we will not abandon you,” he said.

Disu assured that the force would continue to support the bereaved families and ensure that the sacrifices of the fallen officers are not forgotten.

He also urged Nigerians to remember not only the 10 officers but also the thousands of security personnel who continue to risk their lives daily in the line of duty.

“Their service is a solemn reminder that the security of our nation comes at a cost, often borne by individuals who willingly place their lives on the line for others,” he added.

Commissioner Of Police Commends Fallen Heroes

In his remarks, the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Special Intervention Squad, Abayomi Shogunle, commended the fallen officers for their gallantry, describing them as dedicated personnel who refused to abandon their duty posts even in the face of grave danger.

Shogunle revealed that further assessments of the operation indicated that the impact on the bandits was more extensive than initially thought.

“Even as of last week, members of the community alerted us to an area where vultures were seen circling, and about 25 bodies of these terrorists were discovered,” he said.

He added that battle damage assessments suggested that the number of bandits killed could run into the hundreds, underscoring the intensity of the confrontation.

According to him, the officers’ steadfastness and refusal to retreat significantly weakened the attackers and disrupted their operations in the region.

Yari Cautious Political Actors Against Exploiting Insecurity

Meanwhile, former Zamfara State Governor, Abdulaziz Yari, has cautioned political actors against exploiting the country’s security challenges as a campaign tool ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Yari gave the warning while speaking as chairman at the 8th edition of the Blueprint Newspaper Lecture Impact Series and Award, themed “Security Challenge and Integrity of 2027 Election.”

He argued that insecurity should not be politicised, stressing that it is a national crisis that requires collective effort rather than partisan manipulation.

“Insecurity is not something to be traded for the purpose of winning the hearts of citizens. Nigerians already know that we are facing serious challenges,” Yari said.

He traced the persistence of insecurity across successive administrations—from Olusegun Obasanjo to Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Goodluck Jonathan, Muhammadu Buhari, and the current government under Bola Ahmed Tinubu—noting that the issue has remained a recurring national concern.

“What we need is for all of us to come together and agree that we do not have any other country than Nigeria. Wherever we go, the only country we can truly call ours is Nigeria,” he said.

Drawing from his experience as governor between 2011 and 2019, Yari said he gained firsthand insight into the complexities of addressing insecurity, including the limitations faced by security agencies.

“Security is not the responsibility of the President alone or the security agencies. Politicians, elites, and ordinary citizens all have roles to play in finding lasting solutions,” he said.

He stressed that addressing insecurity goes beyond election cycles, noting that it affects every aspect of national life, including the economy and citizens’ well-being.

“This subject is not only about elections. It is about our lives, our economy, and our collective future as a nation,” Yari added.

The combined messages from both the police leadership and political stakeholders underscored the urgency of a unified national response to insecurity, even as security forces continue to confront armed groups across various parts of the country.