Olatunji Ridwan Disu, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), on Monday, vowed to do everything within his power to strengthen operational capacity and curb criminal activities by bandits and kidnappers in Kwara State and Nigeria at large.
Disu made the pledge at the Kwara State Police Headquarters during his first operational visit to the State since his appointment as Inspector-General of Police.
He explained that the visit was aimed at engaging officers and key stakeholders across communities to deliberate on lasting solutions to insecurity in the State.
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According to him, he was part of the tactical team that earlier visited Kwara last month to address the wave of insecurity affecting some parts of the State.
“I am here to meet with all stakeholders to discuss issues bordering on insecurity in Kwara State. I was here last month and, in fact, stayed for three weeks to help tackle the insecurity situation.
“I am for Kwara. I know Kwara State and I understand the challenges you are facing. I like Kwara and I will do all in my power to restore civility here”, he assured.
Addressing Police personnel and other security stakeholders, Disu said he remains deeply concerned about issues relating to insecurity and criminality across the State.
He commended stakeholders, particularly Police officers and residents for providing useful information that had aided security operatives in their fight against crime. He also called for increased cooperation and support from citizens, especially members of the traditional institution.
While soliciting more actionable intelligence from residents particularly traditional rulers to aid effective investigations, the IGP said: “I have come to say thank you for all you have been doing to support the police. You are wonderful.
“I want to appeal for more cooperation. Criminals cannot drive us away from our land. We are the rightful owners of our communities and we must never relinquish them to criminals. We must take back our communities from them.”
The Police chief also expressed appreciation to Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, the Governor of Kwara State for his continued support to the Police Command in the State.
“I have visited and thanked the governor for his assistance. He has really supported us in the fight against criminal elements. I am going to visit some places in town. I am visiting my officers who have been there for months and I am going to encourage my officers to intensify their efforts. I assure you that when I return to Abuja, the necessary support and logistics will be provided,” he said.
The IGP, noted that there are bad and good people among herdsmen, exonerated some of them from banditry and kidnap for ransom.
“I say with all authority that we have a lot of Fulani people assisting us in doing our job. At the same time I beg them to be of greater assistance. They should gather more information and give same to us. The way it is going it is dangerous, not all Fulanis are bad. We have good Fulanis who have been our neighbours for thousands of years”.
Disu, however, promised to address the challenges faced by police personnel in the line of duty and pledged to improve their welfare to boost morale.
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“Every day a policeman, including myself, is alive is a blessing. We are not always certain of returning home alive after saying goodbye to our families. I want to give you my words that I will look into the welfare of policemen,”he assured.
ON his part, Adekimi Ojo, the Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, commended the Emirate and other stakeholders for their continued support to the Police.
He also appealed for sustained cooperation from traditional institutions across the state to strengthen security efforts.
