IG in Niger, vows to rescue abducted worshippers

T****he Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has said the safe rescue of worshippers abducted in Niger State and the arrest of their abductors remain the focus of ongoing police operations.

Disu gave the assurance on Saturday when he visited the state to assess the security situation and ongoing rescue operations, following the recent attack and abduction of worshippers in communities in Dekara District, Borgu Local Government Area.

The IG, who paid a working visit to the Niger State Government House, was received by the Deputy Governor, Yakubu Garba, who represented Governor Mohammed Bago, alongside the Commissioner for Homeland Security, Maurice Magaji.

A statement by the Force Spokesman, Ani Iniedu, said Disu conveyed the condolences of the Nigeria Police Force to the state government, people of Niger and families of the victims.

“The conveyed the condolences of the Nigeria Police Force to the Government and people of Niger State, as well as the families of the victims, and assured them that the safe recovery of the abducted persons and the arrest of the perpetrators remain the focus of ongoing operations,” the statement partly read.

He commended the Commissioner of Police in the state, Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, for the command’s response and timely situation reports on the incident.

Disu also appreciated the state government for its continued support to the police, particularly through the provision of operational vehicles, repairs of Armoured Personnel Carriers and welfare support for personnel.

Addressing officers and men of the Niger State Police Command, the IG charged them to sustain intelligence-led and professionally coordinated operations while prioritising the safety of victims and affected communities.

“Disu charged them to sustain intelligence-led and professionally coordinated operations, while prioritising the safety of victims and affected communities. The Command was assured of Force Headquarters’ continuing support to strengthen its logistics, mobility, intelligence, training, and operational capacity,” the statement said.

Disu further directed the command to deepen inter-agency coordination and community engagement, stressing the importance of collaboration with traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders and other stakeholders in intelligence gathering and early response.

In his remark, the deputy governor commended the IGP for personally visiting the state to assess the situation and reinforce ongoing operations.

Garba reiterated the state government’s support for the police and other security agencies in efforts to protect lives, restore peace and secure the release of the abducted persons.