IGP Disu vows to reclaim Kwara communities from bandits

By Demola Akinyemi, Ilorin

ILORIN — The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has vowed that security forces will reclaim communities overrun by bandits in Kwara State and other parts of Nigeria, insisting that criminals cannot drive citizens out of their towns.

Speaking on Monday while addressing officers and men of the Kwara State Police Command in Ilorin, the police chief said the force remains determined to restore security in affected communities.

“I know Kwara State and the problems we are having. I am here for an operation,” Disu said. “Criminals cannot pursue us out of our towns. We are the owners of the towns and we will not allow that to happen. We must take back our homes and our communities.”

The IGP commended officers of the command for their efforts in tackling insecurity and urged them to intensify collaboration to defeat criminal elements in the state.

Disu also praised Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his support to the police, noting that the governor has provided resources to strengthen security operations in the state.

“I have visited the governor to thank him. He has been very supportive in providing the police with what we need to fight crime,” he said.

The police chief disclosed that he would also visit some operational locations to encourage officers who have been on deployment for months. He was scheduled to visit Kaiama and other areas considered security flashpoints in the state.

Addressing the issue of kidnapping and banditry often associated with Fulani herders, Disu said it was wrong to label the entire ethnic group as criminals.

He stressed that many Fulani residents have been assisting security agencies with useful information in the fight against crime.

“I say with all authority that many Fulani people are assisting us in doing our job. Not all Fulanis are bad. We have good Fulani people who have lived with us peacefully for thousands of years,” he said, urging them to continue sharing intelligence with the police.

The IGP also assured officers that improving their welfare would remain a priority under his leadership.

“I give you my word that I will look into the welfare of policemen,” he added.

As of press time, the IGP and his team were heading to Kaiama and other identified security hotspots in the state as part of ongoing security operations.

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