The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has declared that the battle against insecurity in Nigeria requires stronger unity, deeper collaboration, and sustained partnership between security agencies, traditional institutions, and communities.
The IGP made the remarks on Monday, June 15, at the 8th executive committee meeting of the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council (NTRC) held in Dutse, Jigawa State, a high-level gathering of traditional rulers, security chiefs, ministers, and government officials.
The meeting, themed: “Peace, Unity and Development of the North,” focused on strengthening regional stability and improving responses to rising security threats.
IGP Disu, who noted that peace, unity, and development remain inseparable pillars in the quest to defeat insecurity across the country, said that weakness in any of the three would undermine national stability.
“Peace, unity, and development are inseparable. Where any one of these pillars is weak, the others inevitably suffer,” he said.
IGP Disu said Nigeria continues to face evolving threats including banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, cattle rustling, communal conflicts, farmer-herder clashes, cybercrime, and drug-related offences, pointing out that these crimes are becoming more organised and transnational in nature.
He explained that criminal groups now operate with greater coordination across state boundaries, making intelligence-driven policing and inter-agency cooperation more critical than ever.
“The threats confronting our nation are dynamic, interconnected, and increasingly sophisticated,” he stated.
The police chief described the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council as a critical platform for dialogue and consensus-building, noting that traditional rulers remain closest to the grassroots and are often the first to detect early warning signs of insecurity.
According to him, their roles in mediation, intelligence gathering, and community mobilisation make them indispensable in modern policing efforts.
Disu said the Nigeria Police Force has intensified intelligence-led operations nationwide, leading to the disruption of criminal networks, arrest of suspects, rescue of kidnapped victims, and recovery of illegal arms.
He, however, stressed that despite these gains, insecurity remains a shared responsibility requiring stronger collaboration from all sectors of society.
The IGP also expressed concern over rising youth involvement in crime, substance abuse, violent extremism, and misinformation, urging traditional rulers to intensify mentorship and moral guidance within their communities.
He outlined five strategic priorities for national security, including stronger community policing, enhanced collaboration with traditional institutions, youth empowerment, improved intelligence systems, and rebuilding public trust in security agencies.
Disu assured Nigerians of the Police Force’s commitment to protecting lives and property, saying all lawful resources would continue to be deployed to restore peace and stability across the country.
“We remain fully committed to our constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property,” he said.
In his remarks, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the Federal Government is addressing insecurity through both security operations and long-term economic reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said ongoing efforts have strengthened coordination among security agencies, resulting in the disruption of several criminal and terrorist networks across the country.
Idris added that the government is also tackling root causes of insecurity through investments in agriculture, infrastructure, youth empowerment, and economic diversification programmes.
He highlighted initiatives such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), CREDICORP consumer credit scheme, regional development commissions, solid minerals reforms, and the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development.
According to him, these policies are aimed at creating jobs, reducing poverty, and expanding opportunities for Nigerians, especially young people.
The minister also stressed the importance of traditional rulers in promoting peace, countering misinformation, and strengthening national unity at the grassroots level.
He condoled with the government and people of Katsina State over the killing of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, describing it as a painful reminder of the urgent need for collective action against insecurity.
Addressing police officers and men of the Jigawa State Police Command, the IGP reassured them that the ongoing policing reforms would not undermine their careers, welfare, or accrued benefits.
IGP Disu expressed appreciation for their dedication and contributions to maintaining peace and security within the state.
He reiterated the commitment of the Force leadership to improving operational capacity, personnel welfare, career development, and service delivery across the Nigeria Police Force.
IGP Disu urged the officers to remain professional, disciplined, and focused on their constitutional responsibilities, warning that the Force would continue to maintain a zero-tolerance stance against corruption, extortion, abuse of office, and other forms of misconduct.
He further encouraged personnel to deepen community engagement, embrace intelligence-led policing, and uphold the highest standards of integrity and respect for human rights.
The IGP also paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Governor of Jigawa State, Mallam Umar Namadi, where he reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force in working closely with the state and other critical stakeholders in strengthening security, public safety, and community-based policing initiatives across the state.
