The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has called on Nigerians to pray against insurgency and other security challenges bedevilling the country, as well as for personnel of the police, military and other security agencies deployed to tackle the menace.
Disu also urged Nigerians to support security agencies in ongoing operations against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other crimes to restore peace and stability in the shortest possible time.
The IGP made the call at a memorial parade held in honour of 17 fallen officers of the Police Mobile Force at the Police Force Headquarters, Abuja.
The deceased officers were killed when terrorists attacked the Nigerian Army Special Forces School in Buni Yadi, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State on May 8, 2026, where they were undergoing training.
The IGP, while sympathising with the families of the deceased officers who paid the supreme price to keep the nation united, said the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies were working round the clock to safeguard lives and property across the country.
While assuring that the sacrifices of the fallen officers would not be in vain, the IGP reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to securing the country.
An emotional Disu, who defied the early morning rain and joined officers to pay homage to the deceased at the ceremony held at the helipad, said:
“I appeal to Nigerians to continue to put us in their prayers and we promise to continue to do what we are employed to do — to protect lives and property and to go after the bandits and ensure we bring down banditry to the barest minimum.
“Today, we gather with heavy hearts, but with immense pride, to honour 17 gallant officers of the Police Mobile Force who paid the supreme price in service to our dear nation during the terrorist attack on the Nigerian Army Special Forces School, Buni Yadi, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State, in the early hours of May 8, 2026.
“These brave men died while standing in defence of Nigeria, her people and our collective peace and security. Their sacrifice represents the highest form of patriotism and duty.
“The Nigeria Police Force, particularly the Police Mobile Force, continues to maintain hundreds of personnel across the North-East region in joint operations with the Armed Forces and other security agencies, confronting terrorism and violent extremism daily.
“Our officers continue to put their lives on the line, often under extremely difficult conditions, so that every Nigerian family can sleep at night with a measure of safety and peace.
“We want every Nigerian to feel, and to know in their hearts, that there are men and women in uniform who wake up every morning with one purpose: to serve, to protect and, if called upon, to give everything.
“Behind every fallen officer is a family left behind, a future cut short and a nation that owes them an immeasurable debt of gratitude.
“The Nigeria Police Force will not waver. We will continue to show up, stand firm and give our very best in service to this great nation.
“To the families of our fallen heroes, the Nigeria Police Force stands with you in this painful moment. We share in your grief and remain committed to walking this difficult road alongside you.”
