Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu has raised alarms regarding the escalating death toll of law enforcement officers while on duty. During the unveiling of a high-tech forensic center at Godfrey Okoye University in Enugu, Disu highlighted the heavy price the force pays to maintain national security.
He specifically cited the tragic loss of three bomb disposal experts in Maiduguri, who died while attempting to neutralize a dangerous device to protect civilians. Disu noted that despite these losses, the police remain relentless in their anti-crime efforts and are working behind the scenes to improve national security.
The police chief also discussed election security, stating that the force is refining its strategies to ensure peaceful voting processes. Regarding the debate over state-controlled police units, Disu confirmed that the force has drafted a framework for the National Assembly to review.
Addressing local concerns in Enugu, Disu admitted that the national police force is understaffed. To combat this, he announced that President Bola Tinubu has authorized the recruitment of 50,000 new officers, with the medical screening phase currently underway. Furthermore, he committed to increasing the deployment of personnel to Enugu to operate the new fleet of security vehicles provided by Governor Peter Mbah.
Earlier, Enugu State Police Commissioner Bitrus Mamman Giwa noted that while the command has achieved success, it continues to grapple with personnel shortages and logistical hurdles. He expressed gratitude for the Inspector-General’s visit and his continued support in addressing these administrative and operational gaps.
