Ember Months: IGP Egbetokun Orders Nationwide Security Crackdown

By Oluwakemi Kindness

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, has announced sweeping security measures ahead of the ember months, warning that the last quarter of the year often records spikes in robbery, kidnapping, and violent crimes.

Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday at a senior officers’ conference, the IGP said there is “no room for complacency.”

He ordered Zonal Assistant Inspectors-General to activate multi-layered policing frameworks, while Commissioners of Police must expand surveillance beyond cities into rural communities.

Tactical units are now directed to cover feeder routes, forest corridors, and highways.

“All commands must return with a detailed operational calendar for October to December,” he declared. “Your tone becomes the culture of your commands. If you uphold ethics, your officers will follow. If you tolerate misconduct, impunity will multiply.”

The police chief also stressed stronger community engagement, saying it must be genuine and consistent. “The ember months will test our readiness, but they also give us the chance to prove we are a force the people can trust.”

4,383 Suspects Arrested, 1,138 Victims Rescued

The IGP backed his directives with recent performance figures. Between July 31 and September 23, police operatives nationwide arrested 4,383 suspects. These included:

• 481 armed robbers
• 260 kidnappers
• 371 murder suspects
• 161 firearms offenders
• 322 suspected rapists
• 375 cultists

Within the same period, Police officers rescued 1,138 kidnapped victims, recovered 716 firearms, 21,238 rounds of ammunition, and 212 stolen vehicles. According to him, these results prove that “when leadership is intentional, results follow.”

Major Operations Highlighted

He cited several notable successes: the rescue of kidnap victims in Edo and Ogun states, the dismantling of armed groups in Anambra and Delta, and the arrest of electoral offenders during recent by-elections. Each of these, he said, was the result of “initiative, preparation, and tactical confidence.”

Accountability and Ethics

The IGP insisted that operational victories must be matched with accountability.

He directed commands to report all breakthroughs promptly and transparently, stressing that public trust depends on how successes are communicated.

In a stern warning, he cautioned officers against meddling in civil disputes, especially land cases. “The Nigeria Police is not, and will never become, an enforcer for private interests,” he said, vowing disciplinary action against violators.

Clear Mandate for the Ember Months

As Nigeria enters the last quarter of the year, the IGP said the goal of police leadership is clear: to dominate criminal spaces, restore public confidence, and protect lives and property without compromise.

“Above all,” he concluded, “we owe this nation a police force that does not falter, even when others do. May God guide our judgement, strengthen our steps, and bless the Nigerian Police Force and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”