The Nigeria Police Force has launched nationwide clearance operations against bandits, kidnappers and other violent criminals following the recent training and retraining of personnel of the Police Mobile Force (PMF).
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, announced the operation in a statement issued on Wednesday, saying the exercise is aimed at strengthening security and dismantling criminal networks across the country.
According to him, the operation involves the deployment of tactical police personnel to identified criminal hideouts, vulnerable communities and other security flashpoints. The mission is to disrupt banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes, deny criminal groups freedom of movement and improve public safety nationwide.
The nationwide operation began with a pilot exercise at Alagye Village in Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State after intelligence reports indicated the presence of a suspected kidnappers’ camp inside a forest in the area.
CSP Iniedu said police operatives carried out a tactical survey and clearance of the location, but the camp was found deserted when the team arrived. He added that similar operations would now be carried out across state commands based on prevailing security challenges and credible intelligence.
He stressed that all deployments would be intelligence-driven, while officers have been directed to carry out their duties professionally and with strict respect for human rights and the rule of law.
The spokesman quoted the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, as directing participating officers to sustain pressure on bandits and other criminal groups, deny them operational space and ensure the exercise leads to improved security in affected communities.
The IGP also urged officers to remain disciplined, professional and responsive throughout the operations.
The police appealed to members of the public to cooperate with security personnel and provide credible information that could support ongoing operations, assuring that updates would be released as the nationwide exercise progresses.
The Force reaffirmed its commitment to deploying trained personnel and operational resources to combat banditry and other violent crimes, protect lives and property, and strengthen security across Nigeria.