Criminals Who Want to Embrace Peace, We Won’t Shut the Doors to Them — IGP

Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has come under heavy criticism after stating that criminals who wish to surrender will be accepted, a comment that has angered many citizens already frustrated by the rising insecurity.

The statement was captured in a 2-minute and 1-second video posted by X user Crystal, where the police chief responded to questions on bandits seeking peace deals.

In the footage, the Inspector General said, “Criminals who want to embrace peace, we won’t shut the doors to them,” adding that, “If they want to surrender, they are welcome, but that does not mean that we are going to relax on our own onslaught on them.”

His remark has triggered strong reactions online, with many Nigerians accusing the police of being lenient towards violent groups responsible for killings, kidnappings and widespread terror.

A user identified as Creekside Things wrote that “letting armed groups walk free isn’t peace; it’s postponing trouble.”

Another user, Rita Anwiri Chindah, asked, “Why are we pampering them?”

A comment by Arc J.D. Deh read, “There’s no way the speaker believes what he’s saying.”

Tschyroh Engel described the security approach as unserious, saying, “Nigerian security forces aren’t serious. What are talks supposed to solve? They left with the same guns. These are people who have killed, abducted and caused havoc.”

The video also captured the Inspector General addressing attacks on police officers, insisting that assaults on officers performing lawful duties are unacceptable.

He said, “Attacks on our men is unacceptable,” and advised the public to report misconduct through state commissioners, divisional police officers, area commanders or the complaint response units.

Citizens responding to the video argued that the police leadership shows more firmness when defending officers than when confronting criminal gangs that continue destroying communities.

The controversy comes as Nigerians face an escalation in kidnappings, prompting many to question why the government under Bola Tinubu appears more open to negotiating with armed groups than dismantling them.

Some commentators also contrasted the government’s stance with the tough security reforms repeatedly advocated by Peter Obi, whom they believe offers a more decisive approach to national safety.

The police have not issued any further clarification regarding the Inspector General’s comments or the broader strategy for dealing with armed groups.