The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has paid a visit to several vulnerable communities in Oyo State following recent reports of terror attacks and coordinated kidnappings that have thrown local residents into a state of panic.
During his assessment tour of the affected areas, the Inspector-General met with community leaders, local security stakeholders, and traditional rulers to assure them of the federal government’s unwavering commitment to restoring absolute peace and security to the region.
He emphasized that the Nigeria Police Force is systematically re-strategizing its tactical deployments to counter the evolving security challenges threatening agrarian communities in the state.
To address the immediate fallout of the recent incursions, the Police Boss issued a definitive directive to tactical commanders, the anti-kidnapping squad, and the joint security task force to launch a comprehensive, intelligence-led search and rescue operation.
The mandate requires security personnel to comb the vast forest reserves bordering the communities, neutralize the criminal syndicates operating along those corridors, and ensure the safe return of all abducted victims without compromise.
Community representatives who spoke during the visit lamented the increasing audacity of the armed bandits, noting that the incursions have severely disrupted agricultural activities and local commerce, which serve as the economic backbone of the communities.
They pleaded for the establishment of permanent police outposts in volatile border zones to deter future criminal incursions and reduce the response time of security agencies during emergencies.
In his response, the Inspector-General urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate fully with security operatives by providing timely, actionable information.
He reiterated that the war against banditry and kidnapping requires a collaborative approach, emphasizing that the police will continue to strengthen its community policing framework to dismantle criminal networks before they can launch attacks on innocent citizens.