IG backs mobile police to tackle banditry, insurgency
The Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has emphasized the importance of the Mobile Police Force (MPF) in combating insurgency and banditry in Nigeria. He highlighted the need for the MPF to be fully operational and well-trained to achieve the federal government's goal of restoring peace. Disu spoke during the opening of a training program for MPF trainers and instructors, stressing that the force requires specialized skills and tactics to address the country's complex security challenges, including terrorism, armed crime, and communal violence. He noted that the expansion of the MPF to 84 squadrons nationwide aims to enhance its capacity to respond effectively to these threats. Disu urged trainers to focus on producing highly skilled officers who can contribute to reducing insecurity across the country.
Nigeria's Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has voiced confidence in the Mobile Police Force's capacity to confront both insurgency and banditry across the country. Speaking at the opening of a training course for trainers and instructors at the Police Mobile Force Training College in Nasarawa State, Disu emphasized that the success of the federal government's anti-insurgency and anti-banditry initiatives hinges on the operational preparedness of the Mobile Police Force. He highlighted the specialized training and tactical capabilities of Mobile Police officers, stating that their expertise is crucial in combating these threats effectively. Disu reiterated President Bola Tinubu's directive to security chiefs, emphasizing the need to restore peace throughout the nation. The president's instructions included a call for all service commanders to take decisive action against insurgency and banditry. According to Disu, the effectiveness of these efforts relies heavily on the Mobile Police Force, whose readiness is essential for reducing the threat posed by insurgents. The expansion of the Police Mobile Force to 84 squadrons nationwide is part of broader efforts aimed at addressing the multifaceted security challenges facing Nigeria. These challenges encompass terrorism, banditry, armed criminality, communal violence, and attacks on critical infrastructure. Disu underscored the necessity of a Mobile Force that is not only robust but also intelligent, capable of combining physical courage with tactical intelligence, speed with precision, and firepower with discipline and respect for human rights. The ongoing training program for trainers is a strategic measure designed to ensure each squadron is adequately trained, led, equipped, and operationally ready. Disu urged the trainers to return to their respective states with a singular focus on producing superior officers who can exceed the standards set by existing personnel. The quality of training, he argued, directly influences the quality of the personnel and, consequently, the success of the fight against insurgency. In addition to the national-level directives, local police authorities have also taken steps to bolster their response to security threats. In Niger State, Commissioner of Police Adamu Elleman has requested the deployment of additional personnel, armoured vehicles, and modern equipment to aid in eradicating insurgency within the state. This request follows recent abductions of residents, including worshippers and farmers, which have raised concerns among the populace. Despite the challenges posed by the state's vast territory and difficult terrain, Elleman noted that his team has achieved notable successes, such as arresting bandits, dismantling armed robbery gangs, recovering stolen livestock, and preventing criminal activities in certain regions. He affirmed the resolve of his officers to protect the lives and properties of the state's residents. Disu's visit to Niger State was in direct response to the president's directive to rescue the kidnapped individuals and to provide encouragement and support to the local police force. During his visit, Disu acknowledged the commendable work being done by the officers and pledged to deploy additional resources, including AIG Victor Olaiya, the head of Zone 7, along with the counter-terrorism unit and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team, to expedite the rescue operations. Disu praised the Niger State Police Command for its consistent efforts and urged the officers to maintain vigilance and proactivity in their duties. He encouraged deeper engagement with traditional leaders, community members, and religious figures to strengthen the collective effort against banditry, armed robbery, kidnapping, and other forms of criminal activity. As the Mobile Police Force continues its training and operational readiness, the combined efforts at both national and regional levels aim to create a more secure environment for Nigerian citizens. The ongoing operations and strategic interventions reflect a unified approach to addressing the complex security landscape currently faced by the nation.
The Emir of Zurmi in Zamfara State, Bello Suleiman, has died at the Federal Medical Centre in Gusau. He ruled for five years after succeeding his uncle, Abubakar Atiku, who was deposed by the state government in 2021 and later removed in 2022 over allegations of involvement with banditry. Atiku had previously died in an Egyptian hospital. In May 2024, bandits attacked Zurmi, ransacking the emir’s palace, killing three security personnel, and abducting several residents, including the emir’s chief detail. The attackers reportedly targeted Suleiman due to accusations that he was indifferent to the mistreatment of Fulani residents by local vigilantes.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about the death of a traditional ruler and contextualizes it within broader issues of governance, security, and ethnic tensions. It does not take a clear ideological stance but provides balanced reporting on the historical background and recent attacks. The '
Why factuality (95): The article provides detailed information about the death of the Emir of Zurmi, including historical context and recent events leading up to his death, which aligns with available public records and corroborates the facts presented.
Why objectivity (85): The article remains neutral in its reporting, presenting the facts surrounding the Emir's death without overtly taking sides or expressing strong emotional reactions, although it does include some contextual background that may imply a degree of sensitivity around the issue.
The PunchIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 808/30/2026
The Commissioner of Police for Niger State, Adamu Elleman, has called for increased police resources, including more personnel, armored vehicles, and modern equipment, to combat ongoing insurgency in the region. He highlighted recent successes in arresting criminals and recovering stolen property, while emphasizing the need for continued vigilance. During a visit by the Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, who arrived at the direction of President Bola Tinubu, both officials discussed strategies to improve security and rescue abducted individuals. Disu praised the efforts of local police and emphasized collaboration with community leaders to tackle crime effectively.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account of the situation in Niger State, focusing on the requests and actions of law enforcement officials without overtly favoring any political ideology. It reports on the calls for more resources and the responses from high-ranking officials without taking a clear,
Why factuality (90): The article accurately reports the Niger CP's request for additional resources and provides specific details about recent incidents and actions taken by security forces, consistent with the broader narrative of ongoing security challenges and responses.
Why objectivity (80): While the article presents both the CP's request and the IGP's response, it maintains a neutral tone overall, though there is a slight emphasis on the need for increased resources and coordination between different levels of security leadership.
The PunchIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 758/30/2026
The Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has emphasized the importance of the Mobile Police Force (MPF) in combating insurgency and banditry in Nigeria. He highlighted the need for the MPF to be fully operational and well-trained to achieve the federal government's goal of restoring peace. Disu spoke during the opening of a training program for MPF trainers and instructors, stressing that the force requires specialized skills and tactics to address the country's complex security challenges, including terrorism, armed crime, and communal violence. He noted that the expansion of the MPF to 84 squadrons nationwide aims to enhance its capacity to respond effectively to these threats. Disu urged trainers to focus on producing highly skilled officers who can contribute to reducing insecurity across the country.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a straightforward report on the Nigerian Inspector General of Police discussing the role of the Mobile Police Force in addressing national security issues. It does not exhibit overtly biased language, one-sided sourcing, or editorializing. The content focuses on official actions
Why factuality (85): The article reports the IGP's statements regarding the Mobile Police Force's role in combating insurgency and banditry, aligning with the cross-source consensus that the government is focusing on enhancing security through specialized units. It does not introduce new information beyond what is commo
Why objectivity (75): The tone is supportive of the Mobile Police Force and emphasizes their importance, which may reflect a positive bias towards the police's capabilities. The article frames the IGP's comments as authoritative and decisive.
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