IGP Pays Emotional Tribute To Sergeant Killed Saving Schoolchildren

Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tunji Disu has commended operatives of the Nigeria Police Force for successfully rescuing the 44 abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State, describing their courage and professionalism during the operation as a source of pride for the force.

Disu gave the commendation on Friday in Abuja during a ceremony held in honour of the late Sergeant John Jerome Abena, who lost his life on July 1, 2026, while participating in the rescue operation.

He also prayed for the deceased officer, wished injured personnel a speedy recovery and reaffirmed the force’s commitment to the welfare and protection of officers serving in the line of duty.

The IGP said the rescue operation demonstrated the commitment of police personnel to protecting lives despite the risks involved, noting that the gathering was organised to pay tribute to the fallen officer while recognising the contributions of every operative involved in the mission.

“I’m happy you guys went and you did us proud. I got information from the commander of the operation the parts you played. I cannot thank you enough for your national service.

“Thank you for all you do. Yes, we lost somebody in the operation. We pray to almighty God to forgive him all his sins.

“For the others who sustained injury, we are happy they are recovering very very fast. You went to the operation, you made us so proud and we are so proud of all of you. So that’s why we came here this morning to pray together for the soul of the person who died, the gallant officer who died and at the same time to thank you for the wonderful jobs all of you did.”

Disu said the force would continue to keep Nigerians informed about major security operations across the country, noting that police operatives and other security agencies record successes daily.

He cited the recent rescue of three kidnapped victims by operatives of the Kogi State Police Command as another indication of the ongoing efforts to combat insecurity nationwide.

“You know, that is why we are taking our effort to ensure that we brief the press regularly. A lot of operations are going on simultaneously everywhere in the country. Yesterday, the operatives of the Kogi Command were able to rescue three people who were kidnapped in almost the same circumstances.

“This thing is happening everywhere and daily police officers and other sister agencies are recording successes everywhere. I will ensure that we intensify giving you reports of successes as it’s happening.”

The IGP assured officers participating in ongoing operations across the country that the force would continue to support them as they confront security threats.

“For officers still out there doing the job, I thank them. We are going to support them. The police are ready to take risks to ensure that every member of society is safe.

“We will not leave them behind. We will take care of them.”

He also reaffirmed the force’s commitment to the welfare of injured personnel, saying officers receiving treatment would continue to receive the necessary medical care and support.

“Officers who have sustained injury in various operations, we are looking into their cases.

“We are taking care of them. Our hospitals are open. They are giving them services.

“And those in government and private hospitals we are paying our dues to ensure that we take care of our officers.”

Disu said the Nigeria Police would continue to honour officers who die in active service, stressing that their sacrifices would never be forgotten and that the force would continue to support their families.

“You want to know why we celebrate our officers when they die. Police officers first and foremost are human beings. Police officers have emotions.

“Police officers feel it when a colleague dies. Everywhere in the world, it is known that officers should be celebrated. We should talk about it when our officers die.

“Most importantly, we are working for every citizen of this country. I will continue to talk about it anytime we lose our men who died in active service protecting the people. We want them to know what the officers are doing.

“Most especially, we take care of the family of officers who have fallen. It will not be like in the past when officers died and we don’t say anything about it. They are important and we should make them know how important they are to the nation.”

The IGP urged Nigerians to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could help prevent crime, saying security remained a shared responsibility.

“We have made up our minds to work together, train together and fight this insurgency together. I want all Nigerians to know that insecurity affects everybody. It does not leave out the families of police officers or the Nigerian army.

“Everybody should come together. Security is everybody’s business. They say the community are the police and the police are the community.

“We beg you. We plead to members of the public. If you see something, say something. Cooperate with the security agency. The situation we have now is such that everybody must come together. Give us information.

“Assist us to nip it in the bud. Because the life you save may be your own.”

The Team Leader of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), SP Abdulraman Muhammed, has said officers involved in the rescue approached the operation as parents determined to save their own children.

Muhammed said the successful mission reflected the commitment of police personnel to their duty, adding that the operatives would continue to return to their respective formations to protect lives and respond to distress calls across the country.

“I want to start by saying that many of us are parents.
We don’t look at them as victims. We look at them as our own children. Every step we take, every corner we make on earth, we take this step for the children.

“And this is what we are trained for. And we are still living here. We are still going back to our various formations to continue our work.

“So we are very happy that we carried out the successful operation. What is expected of us, we heard the cry and we answered the call. Thank you so much.”