Introducing the Police Is Your Friend Podcast; a platform for open conversations, valuable insights, and stronger connections between the Nigeria Police Force and the communities we serve.
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Illegal firearms do not circulate in isolation; they are facilitated by criminal networks engaged in their acquisition, movement, and unlawful distribution. Through intelligence-led operations, operatives of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Nigeria Police Force continue to identify, disrupt, and dismantle these networks, preventing illicit weapons from reaching criminal elements and threatening public safety.
The Nigeria Police Schools Protection Squad (SPS) Call Centre operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to receive emergency calls and reports, coordinate rapid response operations, and facilitate timely intervention in school-related security incidents across the country.
IGP DISU RECEIVES MACBAN LEADERSHIP, CALLS FOR PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE AND ENHANCED SECURITY COLLABORATION
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to protecting all law-abiding citizens and fostering stronger collaboration with critical stakeholders in promoting peace, security, and national development.
The IGP made this known on Wednesday, 10th June 2026, when he received the leadership of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), led by its National President, Alhaji Baba Othman Ngelzarma, during a courtesy visit to the Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Welcoming the delegation, the Inspector-General acknowledged the important role of the livestock sector in the nation's economy and stressed the need for continuous partnership between communities and security agencies in addressing security challenges. He emphasized that sustainable peace and security can only be achieved through mutual trust, dialogue, respect for the rule of law, and timely sharing of credible information.
IGP Disu urged all stakeholders to promote peaceful coexistence among communities and remain committed to lawful conduct in their activities. He reiterated that the Nigeria Police Force remains impartial in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities and will continue to uphold the rights of all citizens while ensuring that anyone found engaging in criminal acts is dealt with in accordance with the law.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the National President of MACBAN congratulated the Inspector-General on his appointment and commended the ongoing efforts of the Nigeria Police Force towards strengthening professionalism, accountability, and public confidence in policing. He reaffirmed the Association's commitment to peaceful coexistence and continued collaboration with security agencies in support of national security and stability.
The Inspector-General expressed appreciation for the visit and reaffirmed the readiness of the Nigeria Police Force to continue engaging stakeholders across various sectors in order to strengthen public safety, promote peaceful coexistence, and enhance community participation in policing.
The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to deepening strategic partnerships with communities and relevant stakeholders as part of its broader efforts to ensure a safer and more secure Nigeria.
DCP Anthony Okon Placid, psc(+), mnipr, mni
Force Public Relations Officer
Force Headquarters, Abuja
10th June, 2026
IGP DISU CHARGES INVESTIGATORS TO PRIORITIZE DATA-DRIVEN POLICING, STRENGTHEN CRIME DATABASE MANAGEMENT
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, has charged investigators and heads of investigative units across the country to prioritise the accurate capture and management of suspects’ information as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen intelligence-led policing and modernise criminal investigations within the Nigeria Police Force.
The IGP gave the charge during the opening of the One-Day Crime and Incident Database Impact Sensitization Workshop organised by the Department of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) at the Force Headquarters, Abuja today,10th June,2026. The workshop was convened to sensitise participants on the importance of the Suspects’ Information Capturing Process under the Nigeria Police Force Crime and Incident Database (NPF-ICD) Centre Project, a strategic initiative designed to enhance crime analysis, intelligence gathering, evidence-based investigations, inter-agency collaboration, and proactive crime prevention.
Speaking at the event, the Inspector-General noted that modern policing is increasingly driven by timely, accurate, and actionable data, stressing that effective law enforcement can no longer rely solely on conventional investigative methods. He emphasised that the Crime and Incident Database Centre represents a critical national policing asset capable of improving investigative outcomes, tracking criminal trends, identifying repeat offenders, linking crimes across jurisdictions, and supporting informed operational and strategic decision-making.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to the modernisation of policing through technology, innovation, and intelligence-led strategies, IGP Disu called for greater compliance with established suspects’ information capturing procedures across all Commands and Formations. He encouraged participants to actively engage in the workshop and develop practical solutions that will enhance operational efficiency and strengthen the Force’s crime management architecture.
The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to leveraging technology, innovation, and intelligence-led policing to improve service delivery, strengthen public safety, and build a more professional, accountable, and citizen-focused Police Force.
DCP ANTHONY OKON PLACID psc(+) mnipr,mni
Force Public Relations Officer
Force Headquarters, Abuja
10th June, 2026
IGP DISU ORDERS NATIONWIDE ENFORCEMENT AGAINST UNREGISTERED AND CONCEALED NUMBER PLATES
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, has directed all Commissioners of Police, Tactical Commanders, and Heads of Formations nationwide to intensify enforcement against vehicles operating without registration number plates, as well as those with concealed, altered, defaced, or otherwise obscured registration numbers.
The directive was issued during the monthly conference with strategic senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force held at the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Peacekeeping Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
The IGP described the growing trend of vehicles operating without proper registration or with deliberately concealed number plates as unlawful and a serious threat to public safety and national security. He emphasized that vehicle registration remains a critical component of crime prevention, intelligence gathering, and law enforcement, noting that criminal elements often exploit anonymous vehicles to perpetrate offences and evade detection.
Consequently, all Policw Commands have been directed to immediately commence enforcement operations against offending vehicles across the country. Any vehicle found without approved registration plates or with tampered registration details will be stopped, impounded, and subjected to the appropriate legal processes in accordance with extant laws.
The Inspector-General of Police urged all vehicle owners to ensure compliance with registration requirements and warned that there would be no preferential treatment in the enforcement of the directive.
The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to strengthening public safety, supporting national security objectives, and enforcing all lawful measures designed to prevent crime and protect citizens.
DCP ANTHONY OKON PLACID psc(+) mni
Force Public Relations Officer
Force Headquarters, Abuja
10th June, 2026
IGP DISU DEPLOYS DIGs TO GEOPOLITICAL ZONES, ORDERS INTER-STATE PATROLS
TO STRENGTHEN NATIONAL SECURITY
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, has approved the deployment of Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs) to their respective geopolitical zones with effect from Monday, 15th June 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen operational effectiveness, improve supervision, and enhance security coordination across the country.
The deployment, announced during the monthly conference with strategic senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force at Force Headquarters, Abuja, is aimed at bringing strategic leadership closer to the field, strengthening accountability, and ensuring prompt response to emerging security threats. The DIGs are expected to work closely with Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and Commissioners of Police to enhance operational oversight and ensure the effective implementation of policing directives.
In furtherance of this objective, the Inspector-General of Police also directed all Commissioners of Police nationwide to immediately establish coordinated inter-state security operations tagged "Handshake Patrols" with their counterparts in neighbouring states. The initiative is designed to strengthen intelligence sharing, improve operational communication, and facilitate joint responses to crimes that cut across state boundaries.
The IGP noted that criminals often exploit jurisdictional gaps by committing offences in one state and escaping into another. He therefore charged Commissioners of Police to maintain regular engagement with neighbouring Commands, conduct coordinated patrols along major entry and exit routes, and adopt a regional approach to addressing security challenges.
The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to intelligence-led policing, strategic coordination, and inter-agency collaboration aimed at protecting lives and property and enhancing public safety across the country.
DCP ANTHONY OKON PLACID psc(+) mni
Force Public Relations Officer
Force Headquarters, Abuja
10th June, 2026
IGP DISU CHARGES SENIOR OFFICERS ON PROACTIVE POLICING, STRENGTHENS OPERATIONAL STRATEGIES NATIONWIDE
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, has charged senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force to remain proactive, intelligence-driven, and adaptive in addressing the evolving security challenges confronting the nation.
The charge was given during the monthly conference with strategic senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force held at the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Peacekeeping Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja, on Tuesday, 9th June 2026. The conference brought together Deputy Inspectors-General of Police, Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, Commissioners of Police, and other senior officers to review the nation's security situation and assess ongoing policing strategies.
Addressing the officers, the Inspector-General of Police noted that the country continues to face security threats ranging from kidnapping, armed robbery, cult-related violence, terrorism, banditry, farmer-herder conflicts, and cyber-enabled crimes. He emphasized the need for stronger leadership, improved coordination, and effective operational responses to ensure the Force remains ahead of emerging criminal threats.
The IGP disclosed that since the last conference held in May 2026, the Force has recorded significant operational successes, including the arrest of eight suspected terrorists, fifty-five kidnapping suspects, sixty-five armed robbery suspects, twenty-nine murder suspects, and forty-two suspected cultists. He further revealed that eighty-eight kidnapped victims were rescued, while one hundred and fourteen firearms, eight hundred and forty-three rounds of ammunition, and twenty-eight stolen vehicles were recovered through various operations across the country.
The Inspector-General also directed Commissioners of Police nationwide to strengthen intelligence gathering, deepen community policing initiatives, and institutionalize regular stakeholder engagements with traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, market associations, transport unions, and other critical community stakeholders. He stressed that public trust and community partnership remain indispensable to effective policing and crime prevention.
Reaffirming the Force's commitment to professionalism and accountability, the IGP urged senior officers to lead by example, maintain discipline within their Commands, prioritize personnel welfare, and ensure strict compliance with established operational procedures. He further emphasized the importance of effective engagement with the media to enhance public understanding of policing activities and counter misinformation.
The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to intelligence-led policing, strategic leadership, community partnership, and the protection of lives and property as it continues to strengthen internal security and public safety across the country.
DCP ANTHONY OKON PLACID psc(+) mnipr,mni
Force Public Relations Officer
Force Headquarters, Abuja
9th June, 2026
IGP DISU HOSTS 11TH MEETING OF INTERPOL NATIONAL CENTRAL BUREAU HEADS IN ABUJA, CALLS FOR UNIFIED WEST AFRICAN FRONT AGAINST TRANSNATIONAL CRIME
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, PSC(+), NPM, on Monday, 8th June 2026, presided over the 11th Meeting of Heads of INTERPOL National Central Bureaus (NCBs) for West Africa at Johnwood Hotel, Abuja.
The gathering brought together NCB heads from sixteen West African nations alongside senior representatives of the INTERPOL General Secretariat and regional security bodies.
In his address, IGP Disu painted a candid picture of the threat environment confronting the west-africa sub-region. Human trafficking syndicates, arms dealers, drug networks, cyber fraudsters, money launderers, terrorist financiers, and violent extremist groups all share one defining characteristic: they operate without regard for national borders. The IGP was emphatic that the region's success depends not on any single country's efforts, but on the speed and quality of partnerships forged across all sixteen member states.
On Nigeria's part, IGP Disu spoke to concrete steps already underway — extending INTERPOL's I-24/7 secure communications network to border control points and law enforcement institutions nationwide, so that the officer at a land crossing has the same real-time access to critical intelligence as those at headquarters. He reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to Project GEMINI — the systematic uploading and verification of INTERPOL's Stolen and Lost Travel Documents database — and pointed to the West African Police Information System (WAPIS) as evidence of what regional data integration, pursued with purpose, can achieve.
Looking ahead, he committed Nigeria to three priorities: ensuring universal access to INTERPOL's key databases across West African border architecture; building coordination mechanisms that enable joint action within hours, not weeks; and investing in the trust and transparency among NCBs that makes meaningful information-sharing possible. Without that trust, he observed, even the most sophisticated systems fall short.
The leader of the INTERPOL delegation acknowledged Nigeria's investment in hosting and drew attention to what the full attendance of all sixteen NCB heads signified — that across distances and operational pressures, these agencies had chosen to show up together. He challenged participants to leave not with intentions, but with commitments capable of being measured, and to carry into their daily operations a shift from reacting to crime after the fact, to anticipating and disrupting it before harm is done.
The 11th NCB Heads Meeting reaffirms Nigeria's place at the centre of West African security cooperation and reflects a Force leadership that understands policing in the twenty-first century as an inherently collective endeavour.
DCP Anthony Okon Placid, psc(+), mnipr, mni
Force Public Relations Officer,
Force Headquarters, Abuja
8th June 2026
PRESS RELEASE
NIGERIA POLICE FORCE CONFIRMS SAFE RESCUE OF ABDUCTED WOMAN AND HER TWIN SONS
The Nigeria Police Force announces the successful rescue of Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, who were abducted on June 3, 2026, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The hostages were rescued during a coordinated operation by the Force Intelligence Department Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) in Ibadan at approximately 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2026. Mrs. Adegoke and her children were abducted while she was driving them to school at about 7:30 a.m. on June 3, 2026.
The rescue was achieved through sustained intelligence gathering, surveillance, and tactical operations. These efforts enabled investigators to track the kidnappers’ movements, resulting in a confrontation with FID-IRT operatives.
During the confrontation, two suspected kidnappers were fatally wounded and two rifles were recovered. The victims were rescued unharmed and are now in safe custody, receiving medical care and support.
The Inspector-General of Police commends the courage, professionalism, and effectiveness of the FID-IRT operatives and all officers involved. Their resilience and commitment were instrumental in the safe rescue of the hostages.
Security operatives have intensified efforts in the area to apprehend fleeing members of the kidnapping syndicate. Preliminary intelligence indicates that some suspects escaped with gunshot injuries. Operations are ongoing to track, arrest, and bring all involved to justice.
The Nigeria Police Force appreciates the public’s support, cooperation, and patience during the operation. We remain committed to combating violent crime, protecting lives and property, and ensuring the safety of all citizens.
DCP ANTHONY OKON PLACID, psc (+), mnipr, mni
Force Public Relations Officer
Force Headquarters, Abuja
6th June,2026
#PHOTONEWS | The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, on 5th June 2026 paid a working visit to the Nigeria Police Radio 99.1FM Headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the Force’s strategic communication and public engagement initiatives.
During the visit, the IGP toured the station's facilities and received briefings on its operations, programming, and contributions to public enlightenment, crime prevention, and community policing. He emphasized the critical role of the media in fostering trust between the Police and the public, while reaffirming the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to leveraging effective communication platforms in enhancing public safety and security awareness.
The visit underscores the Force's resolve to strengthen its communication architecture and deepen citizen engagement through timely, accurate, and impactful information dissemination.
The Nigeria Police Force presents a compelling account of an 18-month intelligence-led investigation by the Force Intelligence Department – Special Tactical Squad, culminating in the arrest of a notorious syndicate linked to kidnapping, armed robbery, and extortion within the Federal Capital Territory.
Through the voices of the victims, and suspects, this documentary provides an inside look at the painstaking efforts that led to the dismantling of a criminal network that terrorised innocent citizens and threatened public safety.
Watch the story behind the operation and the pursuit of justice.
IGP DISU CONGRATULATES NIGERIA POLICE ACADEMY CADETS AS THEY EMERGED WINNERS OF THE 2026 RIL CAMPUS CROWN AWARDS DEBATE COMPETITION
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, has congratulated the Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil, Kano State, following the outstanding performance of its cadets who emerged winners of the Debate Competition at the 2026 RIL Campus Crown Awards, defeating participants from various tertiary institutions across Kano State.
The RIL Campus Crown Awards is a youth-focused initiative designed to provide students with a platform to showcase their talents through leadership debates, sports competitions, and other developmental engagements aimed at fostering critical thinking, teamwork, and responsible citizenship.
In a keenly contested debate that featured some of the brightest minds from universities and tertiary institutions within the State, the cadets of the Nigeria Police Academy distinguished themselves through exceptional intellectual prowess, eloquence, analytical reasoning, and outstanding public speaking skills, ultimately securing the coveted winner's trophy.
The IGP described the achievement as a testament to the effectiveness of the Academy's academic and leadership development programmes, noting that intellectual excellence remains a critical component of modern policing. He commended the cadets for serving as worthy ambassadors of the institution and the Nigeria Police Force, while encouraging them to sustain the culture of excellence, discipline, and professionalism.
While receiving the victorious team at the Academy, the Commandant of the Nigeria Police Academy, AIG Patrick A. Atayero, psc, mspsp, praised the cadets for their remarkable achievement and for bringing honour to the institution. He described the victory as a reflection of the Academy's unwavering commitment to producing well-rounded police officers equipped with both professional competence and intellectual capacity to effectively serve the nation.
The Commandant encouraged other cadets to continually strive for excellence in both academic and extracurricular pursuits, assuring them of the Academy's sustained support in nurturing their talents and leadership potential. He further reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the Academy's vision of becoming a world-class institution dedicated to professional policing, leadership development, and academic excellence.
The IGP hereby congratulates the Commandant, management, staff, and cadets of the Nigeria Police Academy on this remarkable accomplishment and wishes them continued success in future endeavours.
The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to strengthening educational and leadership development initiatives within its institutions as part of ongoing efforts to build a highly professional, knowledge-driven, and service-oriented Police Force capable of meeting contemporary security challenges.
DCP ANTHONY PLACID, psc (+), mnipr, mni
Force Public Relations Officer
Force Headquarters, Abuja
5th June,2026
NPF MOURNS THE PASSING OF AIG KANAYO V. UZUEGBU, psc(+)
The Nigeria Police Force announces with profound sadness the passing of Assistant Inspector-General of Police Kanayo V. Uzuegbu, psc(+), on Friday, May 30, 2026. AIG Uzuegbu served the Nigeria Police Force for over three decades with distinction, professionalism, and dedication to public safety.
A native of Umuaka Community, Njaba Local Government Area, Imo State, AIG Uzuegbu joined the Force in 1992 as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police and trained at the Police Academy, Kaduna. He held a B.A. (Hons) in Philosophy from the University of Port-Harcourt, a Higher Diploma in Strategic Studies from the University of Maiduguri, and an https://t.co/4b16gUWjUq. in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution from the University of Nigeria, complemented by professional courses in counter-terrorism, human rights, law of armed conflict, and strategic leadership. He rose through the ranks, holding command and administrative appointments across several State and Zonal Commands and at Force Headquarters, Abuja. Notable postings included Squadron Commander, No. 15 PMF Ilorin; Area Commander, Owerri and Karu; Director, Central Planning Training Unit, Police Staff College, Jos; Commissioner of Police, Operations Communication, Force Headquarters; and Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command. He also served as Commander, Sector 8, El-Dain Africa Peace-Keeping Mission in Darfur, Sudan.
The leadership of the Force has conveyed its deepest condolences to the family of the late AIG Uzuegbu and described him as an officer who brought honour to the Force and served the nation with commendable dedication. The Nigeria Police Force prays that the Almighty God grants his soul eternal rest and grants his family the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss.
DCP ANTHONY PLACID, psc (+), mnipr, mni
Force Public Relations Officer
Force Headquarters, Abuja
5th June, 2026.
NIGERIA POLICE FORCE SECURES PERMANENT FORFEITURE OF ₦2BN ASSETS; COURT REAFFIRMS POLICE POWERS TO INVESTIGATE WITHOUT HINDERANCE
The Nigeria Police Force, through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB), Abuja, has secured two landmark judgments at the Federal High Court, Abuja, strengthening the nation's criminal jurisprudence and affirming law enforcement authority.
On Tuesday, 14 May 2026, Hon. Justice Emeka Nwite granted a permanent forfeiture order on assets valued at over ₦2 Billion belonging to financial sector staff member Alonge Opeyemi Yetunde and her accomplices (Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/274/2026). The forfeited assets—spanning Lagos, Osun, Delta States, and the FCT—include bank accounts, digital wallets, vehicles, and real estate. The principal suspect, currently remanded at Suleja Correctional Custodial Centre, is facing charges of fraud and money laundering.
In a related ruling on Monday, 13 May 2026, Hon. Justice Bello Kawu dismissed a ₦100 Million Fundamental Rights Enforcement Suit filed by American-based suspect David Imole Averehi against the Nigeria Police Force and the Assistant Inspector General of Police, INTERPOL (Suit No. FCT/HC/CV/4119/45). Justice Kawu held that the Court cannot be used to obstruct statutory police duties or shield individuals engaged in criminal conduct from justice. The ruling enables the NCB to proceed with prosecuting Averehi for obtaining money under false pretences.
The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to leveraging international partnerships and the full force of the law to pursue financial criminals and protect Nigeria's economic integrity.
DCP ANTHONY OKON PLACID, psc (+), mnipr, mni
Force Public Relations Officer
Force Headquarters, Abuja
4th June, 2026
NIGERIA POLICE FORCE TAKES BOLD STEPS ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AT LANDMARK LEADERSHIP WORKSHOP
The Nigeria Police Force has successfully concluded the Second AI-POL Leadership Dialogue Workshop on Advancing Innovation, Governance, and the Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in Law Enforcement on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, in Abuja.
The workshop brought together law enforcement leaders, technology experts, and international partners for an open and productive exchange on the implications of artificial intelligence for the future of policing. Over the course of the event, participants explored real-world applications of AI in security operations, examined the challenges that come with adopting new technologies, and drew lessons from global experiences to chart a practical path forward for the Nigeria Police Force.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, reflected on the depth of engagement at the workshop, noting that the conversations reinforced a simple but urgent truth: artificial intelligence is no longer something to prepare for in the distant future—it is already reshaping how security agencies operate around the world. The IGP thanked every participant, facilitator, expert, and partner for making the dialogue a success and reaffirmed the Force's commitment to this partnership.
A highlight of the workshop was a dedicated presentation drawing from the outcomes of the 5th Global Meeting for AI and Law Enforcement, which recognized Nigeria as a priority partner for the African AI Policing Pilot.
Participants were urged not to let the knowledge gained remain in the conference room but to carry it back to their commands and translate it into action.
The Nigeria Police Force remains grateful to all those whose dedication made this workshop possible and whose efforts continue to support the building of safer communities and a police service that is accountable to the citizens it serves.
DCP ANTHONY OKON PLACID, psc(+), mnipr, mni
Force Public Relations Officer
Force Headquarters, Abuja
4th June, 2026.