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…Orders clampdown on unregistered, concealed vehicle number plates
From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has assured Nigerians that the Police, working in collaboration with other security agencies, will do everything within their power to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State.
The IGP also ordered the deployment of Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs) to strengthen ongoing rescue operations aimed at securing the release of the victims.
Disu disclosed this during a conference with senior police officers in Abuja. He also directed the immediate nationwide enforcement against vehicles operating without registration number plates, as well as those with concealed, defaced, or altered number plates.
According to him, the Police would no longer tolerate such practices, noting that unregistered or disguised vehicles are frequently used by kidnappers, terrorists, and other criminal groups to evade detection and arrest.
“From this moment, enforcement will be strict and uniform. There will be no preferential treatment,” he said.
While noting that significant progress had been made in efforts to rescue the abducted pupils and teachers, the IGP said the full operational capacity of the Nigeria Police Force, in coordination with other security agencies, had been deployed to secure their safe return.
“We are making progress and will not relent until every hostage is brought home safely,” he said.
Disu further stated that the deployment of DIGs, which takes effect from June 15, 2026, is aimed at improving supervision, operational coordination, and accountability across police formations nationwide.
He explained that the reform is intended to bring strategic leadership closer to field operations and enhance rapid response to emerging security threats.
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Presenting the Force’s operational achievements since its last strategic meeting, the IGP said: “Since our last conference on May 5, 2026, the Force has arrested eight suspected terrorists, 29 murder and culpable homicide suspects, 65 armed robbery suspects, 55 kidnapping suspects, and 42 suspected cultists.
“Our operations also led to the rescue of 88 kidnapped victims. In addition, 114 assorted firearms and 843 rounds of ammunition were recovered, while 28 stolen vehicles were also recovered.”
The IGP cited a recent operation in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), where intelligence reports revealed that five suspected kidnappers were heading to Abuja to carry out criminal activities.
“Through coordinated intelligence and operational deployment, the suspects were intercepted and arrested before they could execute their plans. This demonstrates the importance of proactive policing and intelligence-driven operations in preventing crime before it occurs,” he said.
He described the achievements as evidence of improved intelligence gathering and proactive policing strategies.
To further strengthen security, the IGP directed Commissioners of Police to establish coordinated “Handshake Patrols” between neighbouring states to prevent criminals from exploiting jurisdictional boundaries.
He also ordered enhanced surveillance along major entry and exit routes nationwide, improved intelligence sharing, and joint operational responses where necessary.
“Criminals do not respect state boundaries. Our response must be equally seamless,” he said.
The IGP urged officers to deepen collaboration with communities and strengthen intelligence gathering through public trust and engagement. He also called for proactive communication with the media to counter misinformation and ensure accurate reporting of police operations.
He commended officers and men of the Force for their dedication and urged them to intensify efforts to rid the country of criminal elements.
