By Staff Reporter
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has paid tribute to Inspector John Jerome Abena, who was killed during the operation that rescued abducted schoolchildren in Oyo State, describing the late officer’s death as the ultimate sacrifice in service to Nigeria.
Speaking while receiving officers who participated in the rescue mission, the IGP praised their courage, professionalism and resilience, noting that their determination ensured the safe rescue of the abducted pupils despite fierce resistance from the kidnappers.
Disu said the occasion was not only to celebrate the success of the operation but also to honour the memory of Inspector Abena and recognise the sacrifices made by every officer involved.
He revealed that, in addition to the officer who lost his life, several policemen sustained injuries during the operation, assuring them that the Nigeria Police Force would provide the best possible medical care and welfare support.
“We will not leave them behind. Officers who sustained injuries during the operation are being taken care of. Our hospitals are open to them, and where additional medical care is required, we are paying to ensure they receive the best treatment possible,” he said.
The police chief stressed that no officer who dies in active service would be forgotten, adding that the Force had resolved to end the era when families of fallen personnel were neglected.
“It will not be like in the past when officers died and nothing was heard about them. They are important to this nation, and we must let them know how important they are. We will continue to take care of the families of our fallen officers because their sacrifices can never be repaid,” he stated.
Disu described policing as one of the most demanding professions, noting that officers risk their lives daily to protect citizens and maintain public safety.
“Police officers are human beings. Police officers have emotions. They feel it whenever a colleague dies. Everywhere in the world, officers who die in the line of duty should be celebrated and remembered,” he said.
The IGP also commended the Chief of Defence Staff, the service chiefs and other security agencies for what he described as exceptional cooperation throughout the rescue mission.
According to him, the operation was driven by extensive intelligence gathering, strategic planning and multiple joint operational meetings, including late-night deliberations, which ultimately led to the successful rescue of the abducted children.
He said the mission demonstrated the effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration, stressing that no single security organisation could tackle insecurity alone.
“We have all come to realise that we are serving one nation. No security agency is more important than another. We have made up our minds to continue working together, training together and fighting insecurity together,” he said.
Disu urged Nigerians to complement the efforts of security agencies by providing timely and credible information, describing public intelligence as critical to combating crime.
“Insecurity affects everybody. Security is everybody’s business. If you see something, say something. Cooperate with security agencies because the life you save may even be your own,” he appealed.
He concluded by assuring officers that the Force would continue to prioritise their welfare, support injured personnel, stand by the families of fallen officers and strengthen collaboration with other security agencies in the fight against insecurity.
