IG orders fresh deployment to bandit-hit communities

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The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has ordered the immediate deployment of more personnel and air support to communities affected by bandit attac Read More:…

The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has ordered the immediate deployment of additional personnel, mobility and air support to communities affected by bandit attacks across the country.

Disu also directed Commissioners of Police in affected states to submit updated security threat assessments and operational requirements to the Force Headquarters within 72 hours.

The police chief gave the directives during the monthly conference with strategic senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force in Abuja on Wednesday.

The IG, who acknowledged that bandit attacks were still ongoing in some states, said the police would intensify intelligence-led operations and strengthen collaboration with local communities to tackle the security challenges.

He directed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations to coordinate the deployment of additional personnel and equipment to the affected areas in consultation with the respective commands.

“Bandit attacks are ongoing in some states across the Federation, and communities in those areas continue to face real threats to their safety and livelihoods. This is a challenge we are confronting directly, and I will not allow this conference to pretend otherwise.

“I am therefore directing as follows, with immediate effect: All Commissioners of Police in affected commands are to submit updated threat assessments and operational requirements to Force Headquarters within 72 hours. I want specifics, not generalities. The DIG in charge of Operations is to coordinate the immediate deployment of additional personnel, mobility and air support to the most affected areas, in consultation with the commands concerned.

“Intelligence-led operations must be sustained and intensified. Every command must have a standing operational plan for its high-risk zones.

“Community intelligence must be deepened. Traditional rulers, village heads, hunters’ associations and local vigilante groups in affected areas must be engaged and incorporated into our…

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