The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has honoured Inspector John Jerome Abena, who was killed during the operation that secured the rescue of abducted schoolchildren in Oyo State, describing his death as the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation.
The police chief also disclosed that several officers sustained injuries during the operation, assuring them of the Force’s continued support while pledging that families of fallen officers would no longer be neglected.
Speaking while receiving police officers who participated in the rescue mission, Disu commended the team’s courage, professionalism and resilience, saying their dedication ensured the safe return of the abducted children despite the dangers they encountered.
According to the IGP, the gathering was not only to celebrate the successful operation but also to pay tribute to Inspector Abena and acknowledge the sacrifices of every officer involved.
“Police officers are human beings. Police officers have emotions. They feel it whenever a colleague dies. Everywhere in the world, it is known that officers who die in the line of duty should be celebrated and remembered. We must continue to honour them because they laid down their lives protecting the people,” Disu said.
He noted that police personnel deployed on patrol, manning the che
CBP officers or those engaged in special operations carry out their constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property, often at great personal risk.
The IGP revealed that, in addition to the death of Inspector Abena, several officers were injured while confronting the kidnappers.
Commending the injured personnel for their bravery, he assured them that the Force remained committed to their welfare and recovery.
“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.
Disu stressed that the Nigeria Police Force had resolved that no officer who dies in active service would be forgotten, saying the era when families of deceased personnel were abandoned was over.
“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.
The IGP also praised the Chief of Defence Staff, service chiefs and heads of other security agencies for what he described as exceptional collaboration throughout the rescue operation.
He disclosed that the mission involved extensive strategic planning, intelligence gathering and several joint operational meetings, including late-night deliberations, which contributed to its success.
According to him, the operation demonstrated the growing synergy among Nigeria’s security agencies and reinforced their collective resolve to tackle insecurity through coordinated, intelligence-driven operations.
“We held meetings upon meetings, including midnight meetings and deliberations. The synergy was top-notch. Everybody contributed personnel and expertise. 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 said the successful rescue operation underscored the benefits of cooperation among security agencies and intelligence sharing rather than isolated efforts.
He also urged Nigerians to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information, stressing that public intelligence remains a vital tool in 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.
The IGP thanked the officers who participated in the operation for their discipline, professionalism and courage, assuring them that their service had not gone unnoticed by the Force leadership.
While describing the rescue of the abducted schoolchildren as a major relief to their families and the nation, Disu said the death of Inspector John Jerome Abena and the injuries suffered by other officers highlighted the enormous risks security personnel face daily in protecting Nigerians.
He reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to prioritising the welfare of its personnel, supporting injured officers, standing by the families of fallen officers and strengthening collaboration with other security agencies in the fight against insecurity.
