The Nigeria Police Force has launched nationwide clearance operations targeting suspected criminal hideouts, kidnapping camps and other security flashpoints as part of intensified efforts to dismantle bandit networks and curb violent crimes across the country.
In a statement the Force Public Relations Officer, at the Force Headquarters, Abuja CSP Ani Iniedu said the operations, which follow the recent training and retraining of personnel the Police Mobile Force (PMF), involve the deployment of tactical teams to identified criminal enclaves, vulnerable locations and communities facing security threats.
The initiative is aimed at disrupting the activities of bandits, kidnappers and other violent criminal groups, denying them freedom of action and strengthening security across affected communities.
The Force said the exercise had commenced with a pilot operation at Alagye Village in Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, following intelligence reports indicating the presence of a suspected kidnappers’ camp in a nearby forest.
According to the police, tactical personnel conducted a survey and clearance operation at the identified location but found the suspected camp deserted at the time of the exercise.
The Force said the operation would be replicated across state commands, with deployments guided by prevailing security conditions and actionable intelligence.
It added that participating personnel had been directed to maintain professionalism, respect human rights and operate strictly within the provisions of the law throughout the exercise.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, charged the deployed officers to sustain operational pressure on bandits and other criminal networks, disrupt their activities and prevent them from operating freely.
Disu also emphasised the need for discipline, professionalism and responsiveness, directing personnel to ensure that the operations produced tangible improvements in public safety and security.
The nationwide initiative comes amid continuing security challenges involving kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes in parts of the country. The police did not disclose the number of personnel deployed or provide a detailed timeline for the operations across the various state commands.
The Force urged members of the public to cooperate with police personnel during the exercise and provide credible information that could assist security agencies in identifying criminal hideouts, tracking suspects and preventing attacks.
It assured Nigerians that updates would be provided as the clearance operations progress across the country.
The police reaffirmed their commitment to deploying trained personnel and operational resources to protect lives and property, dismantle criminal networks and strengthen security nationwide.
