The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has visited Zamfara State in a show of solidarity with officers of the Nigeria Police Force following the death of three personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty during operations against bandits.
During the visit, the police chief attended the Islamic funeral prayer, known as Salat al-Janazah, held in honour of the fallen officers. The ceremony was attended by senior police officers, government officials, family members of the deceased, and members of the public.
The IGP also visited the Zamfara State Police Command Headquarters, where he commiserated with officers and men of the command and reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to sustaining operations against banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes across the state.
Zamfara State, located in Nigeria’s North-West region, has for years been one of the epicentres of banditry. Armed groups operating in forests and rural communities have carried out attacks involving killings, kidnappings, cattle rustling, and destruction of property, forcing thousands of residents to flee their homes.
The visit by the police chief comes at a time when security forces have intensified operations in the region in an attempt to restore peace and stability.
IGP Disu was received by senior government officials and security stakeholders, including the Secretary to the Zamfara State Government, Mallam Abubakar M. Nakwada, who represented the state governor at the funeral and related engagements.
Addressing officers and men of the command, the IGP described the deceased officers as brave personnel who paid the ultimate price while defending the country and confronting criminal elements threatening peace in Zamfara State.
He extended the condolences of the Police Force leadership and assured that the sacrifice of the fallen officers would not be forgotten.
“The fallen officers were courageous men who gave their lives in the line of duty while confronting criminal elements threatening the peace and security of Zamfara State,” he said.
The police chief said although the deaths were painful and unfortunate, they would further strengthen the resolve of the Nigeria Police Force to intensify operations against criminal groups operating in the region.
He urged officers in the state to remain focused, disciplined, and professional in the discharge of their duties, stressing that criminal groups would not be allowed to overpower security agencies or derail efforts to restore peace.
According to him, the Police Force remains committed to ensuring that bandit groups and other violent criminals are brought under control through sustained operations.
The IGP also commended the Zamfara State Police Command for what he described as recent operational successes in the fight against crime.
He highlighted several achievements, including the arrest of suspected criminals, recovery of explosives and other dangerous materials, seizure of stolen motorcycles, rescue of kidnapped victims, and successful raids on bandit hideouts.
He said these successes demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing and the importance of collaboration among security agencies operating in the state.
“The achievements recorded by the Command show the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations, operational commitment, and inter-agency cooperation in tackling security challenges,” he noted.
The police chief highlighted that modern policing requires not only manpower but also strong intelligence gathering, community support, and cooperation among all security agencies.
He added that the fight against banditry and violent crime cannot be won by security forces alone without the active involvement of local communities who understand the terrain and can provide timely information.
He therefore called for stronger partnerships between the police and residents of affected communities, urging citizens to provide credible intelligence that could assist ongoing operations.
IGP Disu also assured officers that efforts were underway to improve their welfare, operational capacity, and logistics support to enhance their effectiveness in the field.
He said the Police Force leadership was working to ensure that officers deployed in high-risk areas such as Zamfara are adequately equipped and supported to carry out their duties safely and effectively.
The IGP further stressed the importance of sustained discipline and professionalism among officers, noting that adherence to ethical standards remained critical in maintaining public trust.
He urged the personnel of the command to remain steadfast and committed, adding that their work was essential to restoring peace in communities that have suffered years of insecurity.
Security challenges in Zamfara have remained a major concern for both federal and state authorities. The region has witnessed repeated attacks by armed groups operating from forest hideouts, making policing difficult and dangerous.
In response, security agencies have intensified coordinated operations involving ground troops, police units, and other security formations to dislodge criminal networks and secure rural communities.
Despite the challenges, authorities say progress has been made in recent months, with several arrests and successful rescue operations recorded across the state.
The visit by the Inspector-General of Police is seen as part of ongoing efforts to boost morale among officers on the front lines and reinforce the commitment of the federal government to tackling insecurity in the region.
For the families of the fallen officers, the funeral provided a moment of grief but also recognition of the sacrifice made by their loved ones in the service of the nation.