The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has announced plans to extend ongoing anti-kidnapping operations beyond Kwara and Kogi states to the Northwest and other parts of the country as part of a broader national security strategy.
Egbetokun said the planned expansion forms part of a comprehensive security approach aimed at addressing the rising cases of kidnapping and other violent crimes nationwide.
Speaking during a monitored interview on a national television programme, the IG explained that the operations, which initially focused on tackling kidnapping and banditry in the North-Central states of Kwara and Kogi, would be expanded to other affected regions, particularly the Northwest, before being deployed across the country.
He noted that the move aligns with an ongoing security overhaul triggered by the recent surge in kidnapping incidents.
According to him, the initiative would involve intensified operations and intelligence-driven policing across multiple regions, with special attention on frontline states such as Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi and Niger, as well as neighbouring areas.
Egbetokun said the anti-kidnapping operations are structured to proactively dismantle criminal networks, disrupt bandit activities and restore public confidence in the nation’s security architecture.
He reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to sustaining coordinated, intelligence-led operations under his leadership to curb kidnapping and related crimes.
The police chief assured Nigerians of the Force’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property throughout the year.
He said safeguarding innocent citizens and maintaining law and order remain the core responsibilities of the police.
Egbetokun further emphasised that the Force would continue to deploy available resources to effectively discharge its constitutional duties.
Expressing optimism about improved funding and logistics, he said better resource allocation would strengthen police operations nationwide, adding that the Force is determined to deliver improved security outcomes in the coming year.
According to him, the Police will “do better in 2026,” as renewed support and increased resources are expected to enhance operational efficiency and reinforce public safety across the country.
Responding to questions on allegations that police arrested peaceful protesters in Ekpoma, the IG said the Force is often unfairly accused following violent incidents that occur under the guise of protests.
He said: “When people have committed criminal offences during protests, we are used to narratives that the police arrested peaceful protesters.”
The IG added that even in cases where police formations were attacked, officers killed and weapons stolen, the police were still accused of targeting innocent demonstrators.
“Even those who burnt down police stations, murdered policemen, stole our arms during protests, Nigerians will accuse us that we are arresting people who are on peaceful protest,” he said.
Addressing the Ekpoma incident specifically, Egbetokun insisted that the police have no issue with lawful demonstrations and would not arrest anyone for participating in peaceful protests.
“In the case of Ekpoma, of course, the police will not go after anybody who participated in a peaceful protest. We are not against peaceful protest.
“We have made this clear many times, and we continue to say it, that the police will not stop anybody who comes out for a peaceful protest. If you want to come out for a peaceful protest, what’s our business? We will protect you,” he said.
The IG stressed that the concern of the police is violence, looting and destruction of property, not peaceful protest.
“Peaceful protest is not a challenge to the police. It is those people who want to perpetrate crime, carry out violence, destroy property and loot shops during protests. Those are the ones we have problems with,” he said.
Egbetokun disclosed that 52 persons were arrested during the Ekpoma protest, maintaining that those detained were not peaceful protesters but individuals allegedly involved in criminal acts.
“In Ekpoma, yes, 52 of them were arrested during the protest, and those 52, from the report coming to me, are those people who were involved in the looting of shops and the vandalism of the palace of the Enogie of Ekpoma.
“That was the report I have, not the arrest and detention of peaceful protesters. No. That’s the usual wrong narrative that we are used to in Nigeria. So, I debunk that,” he said.
