IGP DISU VOWS TO RECLAIM KWARA COMMUNITIES FROM CRIMINALS, URGES PUBLIC SUPPORT
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, on Monday pledged that security agencies would reclaim communities in Kwara State from criminal elements, assuring residents that intensified operations were underway to restore peace and safeguard lives and property.
Disu made the declaration in Ilorin while addressing security stakeholders and personnel of the Nigeria Police Force during his first official visit to the state since his appointment as police chief.
He stressed that communities affected by banditry and other violent crimes would be reclaimed through sustained security operations.
“I want to charge you for more operations. These criminals cannot pursue us out of our hometown. We are the owners of the town, and we will not allow that to happen. We have to take back our homes and take back our communities,” Disu said.
According to him, the visit was aimed at reinforcing ongoing security efforts and motivating officers to intensify operations against criminal groups operating in the state.
The police chief also urged residents to support security agencies with credible and timely intelligence, noting that community cooperation remains critical in tackling insecurity.
Disu further cautioned against ethnic profiling, emphasising that criminal activities should not be attributed to any particular ethnic group.
He acknowledged the role of the Fulani intelligence network, noting that their cooperation had assisted security operations in the past.
“I am happy that we have many Fulani people assisting us with our jobs. I say it with all authority, not all Fulanis are bad. We have good Fulanis who have been our neighbours for thousands of years,” he said.
Representatives of the Fulani community at the meeting pledged continued support for security agencies, assuring the police hierarchy of their readiness to provide timely intelligence to help expose criminal hideouts.
They also reiterated their commitment to peaceful coexistence with host communities, stressing that criminal elements should not be allowed to tarnish the image of law-abiding residents.
In his remarks, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Adekimi Ojo, said the Inspector-General’s visit had strengthened the morale of officers and reinforced ongoing security operations.
“We thank God that he is here today as the Inspector-General of Police. We can practically say he loves Kwara State and made a vow to visit us first after becoming the IGP,” Ojo said.
Meanwhile, a businessman and Chairman of Stafolga Group, Araba Sanni, has renewed calls for the development of Nigeria’s subnational economies, stressing that stronger state institutions, including the establishment of state police, are vital for national growth and security.
Sanni spoke with journalists at the Ilorin International Airport, where he emphasised that Nigeria’s economic strength would depend largely on the ability of its states to evolve into independent and prosperous economic centres.
Drawing from his experience in global business environments, he said many rapidly developing countries thrive on multiple strong subnational economies driving national growth.
According to him, Nigeria currently has only a few major economic hubs, including Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt.
“If more states are developed into vibrant economic centres, Nigeria will naturally be better perceived globally as a fast-developing nation,” he said.
Sanni also highlighted security as a major factor in attracting investment, noting that investors tend to avoid environments perceived as unsafe.
“No investor wants to invest in an unsafe environment,” he said, adding that the establishment of state police could significantly strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.
According to him, state policing would bring law enforcement closer to communities and enhance accountability at the state level.
“It empowers governors to truly function as chief security officers of their states. Once security is clearly within their operational sphere, they will rightly be held responsible for outcomes,” he said.
Sanni added that the introduction of state police could encourage healthy competition among governors.
“States will begin to compete on security performance—whose state police is better equipped, better trained, better kitted and more civil in its conduct,” he said.
He dismissed fears that state police could be abused, noting that Nigeria operated regional police during the First Republic.
“In any case, the concerns are secondary when placed against the existential threats Nigeria faces today—banditry, terrorism and insurgency,” he added.
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