Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu has highlighted a worrying surge in the number of officers dying while serving the country. Speaking in Enugu at the opening of a new forensic facility at Godfrey Okoye University, Disu emphasized that the force is suffering significant losses during its ongoing operations against crime, insurgency, and banditry.
The IGP shared the tragic story of three explosive ordnance disposal experts who recently died in Maiduguri. These officers were attempting to neutralize an insurgent-planted explosive to protect civilians when they were caught in a fatal trap. Despite these challenges, Disu reassured the public that security agencies are working around the clock to combat instability, promising that positive results would soon become visible.
Regarding future elections, the police chief affirmed that the force is dedicated to maintaining peaceful and orderly voting processes. He noted that they are continuously updating their strategies and training in line with evolving electoral laws. On the topic of state police, Disu confirmed that the force has submitted a formal framework to the National Assembly for review as part of broader police reform efforts.
Addressing reports of personnel shortages, Disu openly acknowledged that the police are currently overstretched. To mitigate this, he stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has authorized the recruitment of 50,000 new officers, a process currently moving through the medical screening phase. Furthermore, Disu promised to bolster the police presence in Enugu State to complement Governor Peter Mbah’s recent investment in operational vehicles.
Earlier, Enugu Commissioner of Police Bitrus Mamman Giwa briefed the IGP on local challenges, including staffing gaps caused by retirements and transfers. Despite these logistical hurdles, Giwa pledged that the Enugu Command remains steadfast in its mission to protect residents and maintain order across the state.
