Speaking on Tuesday, 9th June, 2026, at a senior officers’ conference held at the Peacekeeping Hall, Force Headquarters, Abuja, the IGP said Nigeria is currently facing complex security challenges that require stronger leadership, proactive policing, and effective operational coordination.
“Across various parts of the country, we continue to confront evolving threats associated with kidnappings, armed robbery, cult-related violence, terrorism, banditry, farmer-herder conflict, cyber-enabled crimes and other emerging criminal activities,” he said.
He stressed that the nature of these threats demands more than routine policing, but a deliberate and coordinated response from all levels of command.
“This threat demands more not only vigilance but also strategic leadership, effective coordination and unwavering commitment from every level of command,” he added.
The police chief noted that officers must continuously reassess criminal patterns and adopt adaptive strategies to remain ahead of criminal elements.
“As strategic leaders of this organization, we must constantly assess the changing dynamics of crime and criminality, strengthen our operational responses and ensure that our policing strategies remain proactive, intelligence-driven and adaptive,” he said.
He further emphasized that public expectations remain high, insisting that the Force must consistently stay ahead of those threatening peace and national security.
“Expectations of Nigerians are high and rightly so. Our responsibility is to ensure that we remain ahead of those who seek to threaten public peace and national security,” he said.
The IGP also confirmed that operations to rescue abducted schoolchildren in Oyo State are still ongoing, assuring Nigerians that the Force, in collaboration with sister security agencies, is working to secure their safe return.
“The abduction of school children in Oyo State remains an active operation. I wish to assure that their families and Nigerians have the full operational capacity of the Force in coordination with sister agencies committed to securing their safe return,” he stated.
“We are making progress and will not rest until all the hostages are brought home safely.”
He commended officers involved in recent successful rescue operations, including the rescue of Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adebukola John Paul and her twins, who were abducted by criminal elements, noting that they have been safely reunited with their families.
“I wish to commend the gallant officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force for the successful rescue of Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adebukola John Paul and her twins who were abducted by criminal units,” he said.
“Through sustained intelligence gathering, tactical operations and courage of our operatives, the victims were rescued and safely reunited with their families.”
The IGP disclosed that since the last conference held on 5 March 2026, the Force has recorded significant operational successes, including the arrest of eight suspected terrorists, 29 suspects for murder and culpable homicide, 65 armed robbery suspects, 55 kidnapping suspects and 42 cultism suspects.
He added that 88 kidnapped victims were rescued within the period, while 114 firearms, 843 rounds of ammunition and 28 stolen vehicles were recovered across various operations.
He also highlighted a recent intelligence-led operation in the Federal Capital Territory where five suspected kidnappers were intercepted and arrested before executing their planned operation in Abuja.
“A recent example occurred within the Federal Capital Territory where actionable intelligence revealed that a group of five suspected kidnappers were making their way towards Abuja with the intention of carrying out criminal activities,” he said.
“Through coordinated intelligence and operational deployment, the suspects were successfully intercepted and arrested before they executed their plans.”