The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has said there are plans to expand ongoing anti-kidnapping operations beyond Kwara and Kogi states to other parts of the Northwest and across the country as part of a comprehensive national security strategy.
Speaking in a monitored interview on Channels Television, the IGP disclosed that the operations, which initially targeted kidnapping and banditry in Kwara and Kogi, would be extended to other affected areas, particularly in the Northwest, and subsequently nationwide.
IGP said the planned expansion is in line with a broader security overhaul following a surge in kidnapping incidents.
The initiative includes intensified operations and intelligence-led policing across multiple regions, with special focus on frontier states such as Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi and Niger, as well as adjoining zones.
Egbetokun said the anti-kidnapping initiative is designed to proactively tackle criminal networks, disrupt banditry activities, and restore public confidence in security nationwide.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to sustaining coordinated, intelligence-driven operations to curb kidnapping and related crimes under his leadership.
The police boss also assured Nigerians of the Nigeria Police Force’s unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property in 2026.
He said safeguarding innocent citizens and preserving law and order remain the core mandate of the Police.
Egbetokun emphasized that the Force will continue to deploy all available human and material resources to effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities.
He expressed optimism that improved resource allocation will further strengthen police operations across the country, noting that the Nigeria Police Force is determined to deliver enhanced security outcomes in the year ahead.
According to him, the Police will “do better in 2026,” as renewed support and increased resources are expected to boost operational efficiency and reinforce public safety nationwide.
Responding to questions on whether he was aware of allegations that the police arrested peaceful protesters in Ekpoma, the IGP said the police were often unfairly accused after violent incidents that occurred under the guise of protests.
“When people have committed criminal offences during protests, we are used to narratives that the police arrested peaceful protesters,” Egbetokun said.
He added that even in instances where police formations were attacked, officers killed, and weapons stolen, the public still accused the police of targeting innocent demonstrators.
“Even those who burnt down police stations, murdered policemen, stole our arms during protests, Nigerians will accuse us that we are arresting people who are on peaceful protest,” he said.
Addressing the Ekpoma incident specifically, Egbetokun maintained that the police had no issue with lawful demonstrations and would not arrest anyone for participating in a peaceful protest.
“In the case of Ekpoma, of course, the police will not go after anybody who participated in a peaceful protest. We are not against peaceful protest.
“We have made this clear many times, and we continue to say it, that the police will not stop anybody who comes out for a peaceful protest. If you want to come out for a peaceful protest, what’s our business? We will protect you,” he said.
The IG stressed that violence, looting and destruction of property, not peaceful protest, were the concern of the police.
“Peaceful protest is not a challenge to the police. It is those people who want to perpetrate crime, carry out violence, destroy property and loot shops during protests. Those are the ones we have problems with,” he said.
Egbetokun disclosed that 52 persons were arrested in Ekpoma, insisting they were not peaceful protesters but individuals allegedly involved in criminal activities.
“In Ekpoma, yes, 52 of them were arrested during the protest, and those 52, from the report coming to me, are those people who were involved in the looting of shops and the vandalizing of the palace of the Enogie of Ekpoma.
“That was the report I have, not the arrest and detention of peaceful protesters. No. That’s the usual wrong narrative that we are used to in Nigeria. So, I debunk that,” he said.
Credit: thenationonlineng.net
