Police begin nationwide clearance operations against bandits, kidnappers

The Nigeria Police Force has commenced nationwide clearance operations targeting banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes following the recent training and retraining of personnel of the Police Mobile Force (PMF).

The operations involve the deployment of tactical personnel to identified criminal hideouts, vulnerable locations and other security flashpoints in a bid to disrupt criminal networks, restrict their movement and strengthen security across communities.

The Force said the exercise began with a pilot operation at Alagye Village in Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, following intelligence reports on a suspected kidnappers’ camp located within a forest in the area.

According to the police, personnel conducted a tactical survey and clearance of the identified location but found the suspected camp deserted at the time of the operation.

The Force added that the exercise would be extended to state commands across the country, with deployments guided by prevailing security threats and actionable intelligence.

It said personnel involved in the operations had been directed to maintain professionalism, respect human rights and adhere strictly to the rule of law.

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, charged the participating officers to sustain pressure on bandits and other criminal networks, deny them freedom of action and ensure the operations translate into improved safety for residents.

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Disu also urged the officers to remain disciplined, professional and responsive in the discharge of their duties throughout the exercise.

The police called on members of the public to cooperate with personnel deployed to their communities and provide credible information that could assist ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity.

The Force said it would continue to provide updates on the clearance operations as they progress across state commands.

It reiterated its commitment to deploying trained personnel and operational resources to combat banditry and other violent crimes, protect lives and property, and improve security nationwide.

The statement was signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, on October 21, 2026, at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.