Peru Merges Army and Police Against Crime

Security: Peru

President Keiko Fujimori has created a unified command that joins Peru’s Armed Forces and National Police against crime. She announced it on Wednesday 7 October 2026 and said she would no longer wait to confront crime.

What We Know

On Wednesday 7 October 2026, Fujimori announced the unified command at the Army General Headquarters in Lima. It integrates the Armed Forces and the National Police under one structure.

The command includes a control and operations centre and an elite group for search and capture operations. Andina reports she said that the state will no longer wait to confront crime.

Infobae’s headline quotes her saying that the time for a total offensive has come. She also demanded professionalism, legality, discipline and respect for human rights from the security forces.

Fujimori also created a Special Commission Against Criminality to coordinate ministries and public and private bodies. These include the Financial Intelligence Unit, the National Intelligence Directorate and the telecoms regulator Osiptel, along with telecom companies.

A public building in central Lima. File photo.

What Else Was Announced

Fujimori promised faster expulsion of foreign criminals and a return of state control over prisons. She also pledged to isolate inmates who direct crimes from jail.

She invited foreign governments to share experience, technology, information and resources. She said Peruvians are desperate and leave home each day in fear of extortion or death.

On Friday 9 October 2026, Fujimori visited the El Milagro prison in Trujillo, in northern Peru. EFE reports she said criminals will try to scare the government but that it will respond firmly.

Reports say scanners at the entrance now work after being out of use for three years, and visitor numbers fell by half under tighter controls. She said she wants three or four more prison wings built quickly, while overcrowding and more than 300 inmates with tuberculosis were noted.

Fujimori also plans to travel to El Salvador from Wednesday 28 October to Saturday 31 October 2026 to meet President Nayib Bukele. Andina reports that the Senate approved the trip.

What Is Not Known

The reports we reviewed do not state how many troops or officers the command will include. They also do not say who will lead it.

The legal basis for the command and its budget were not stated either. Until those details appear, how the command will work in practice remains unclear.

What It Means for Travelers and US Readers

Peru is a US partner and a major exporter of copper, gold and agricultural goods. Mining investors and importers will watch whether the new command reduces extortion that affects transport and business.

Travellers to Peru should follow guidance from the US Embassy and their own government. Our earlier coverage of the El Salvador plans is in Peru Clears Fujimori Trip to El Salvador and Peru’s Fujimori Seeks 29 October Visit to Bukele Prison.

The announcement is a statement of intent, and its effect on crime will only be measurable over time. We will report concrete changes when official figures are published.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Peru’s unified command?

It is a structure that integrates the Armed Forces and the National Police to fight crime. It includes a control and operations centre and an elite group for search and capture operations.

Who announced it and when?

President Keiko Fujimori announced it on Wednesday 7 October 2026 at the Army General Headquarters in Lima. Andina reports she said the state will no longer wait to confront crime.

What is still unclear about the command?

Troop numbers, the legal basis, who leads it and the budget were not stated in the reports we saw. These details matter for judging how the command will work.

Is Fujimori travelling to El Salvador?

She plans a visit from Wednesday 28 October to Saturday 31 October 2026 to meet President Nayib Bukele. Our earlier reports cover the plans for the trip.