Take the battle to terrorists

• Strike first, stay on the offensive, IGP charges officers

From Desmond Mgboh, Kano

Inspector -General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has charged officers to take the fight directly to the terrorists in the forests and bushes: “It is far better to strike first and stay on the offensive than to remain only reactive.”

He spoke on Wednesday in Kano, Kano State, during a strategic meeting with officers of the Kano State Command: “When bandits know we fire back decisively, they will think twice. Keep pushing hard, stay sharp and sustain this momentum.”

Represented by Deputy Inspector-General of Police, North-West, Suleimam Abdul, the IGP announced the establishment of six core administrative pillars designed to strengthen the internal security blueprint. Notable among them is the operationalisation of “Handshake Patrols” between contiguous states to deny criminals jurisdictional escape routes.

Disu also announced commitment to intelligence-led and technology-driven security management: “Police are moving away from purely conventional, reactive methods toward evidence-based law enforcement powered by data analytics, digital forensics and a centralised information framework.”

He further committed himself to restructuring elite tactical units, with operations governed by strict rules of engagement and civilian oversight: “Modern urban policing cannot be achieved through physical presence alone, it must be powered by timely, accurate, and actionable information.

“Kano command must fully leverage data analytics, digital forensics and centralized information frameworks to map out urban crime hotspots and track illicit financial flows that sustain gang activities.

“Compliance with the Suspects’ Information Capturing Process within the Nigeria Police Force Incidents and Crime Database, NPF-ICD, must be enforced across all divisions and tactical offices without exception. This will enable you to build comprehensive criminal histories, trace syndicates, and systematically isolate repeat offenders.

“The administration demands absolute professional discipline and has zero tolerance for personnel high-handedness, corruption, or extortion, which alienate the public.”