The Nigeria Police Force has begun 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 deploying tactical personnel to identified criminal hideouts, vulnerable locations and other areas of security concern. According to the Force, the aim is to disrupt criminal activities, deny criminal elements freedom of action and strengthen security in communities.

The exercise started with a pilot operation at Alagye Village in Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, acting on intelligence about a suspected kidnappers’ camp in a nearby forest. Police personnel carried out a tactical survey and cleared the location, but found it deserted at the time of the operation.

The Force said the exercise will be replicated across State Commands in line with prevailing security realities. Deployments will be intelligence-led, and personnel are expected to strictly observe professionalism, human rights and the rule of law.

Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has urged participating personnel to sustain pressure on bandits and other criminal networks and ensure the operations lead to improved safety for communities. He also directed officers to remain disciplined, professional and responsive throughout the exercise.

Members of the public are advised to cooperate with police personnel during the operations and to provide credible information that may support ongoing security efforts. The Force said it will provide further updates as the operations progress across State Commands.

The Police reiterated their commitment to the continuous deployment of trained personnel and operational resources to combat banditry and other violent crimes, protect lives and property, and strengthen security nationwide.