IG visits Niger, vows to rescue abducted worshippers

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The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, on Saturday visited Niger 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.

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

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A statement issued on Saturday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Ani Iniedu, said the IGP conveyed the condolences of the Nigeria Police Force to the state government, people of Niger State and families of the victims.

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He assured them that the safe recovery of the abducted persons and arrest of the perpetrators remained the focus of the ongoing operations.

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The statement partly read, “He 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.”

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

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He also appreciated the Niger 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.

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

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The statement said, “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.”

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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.

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The Deputy Governor commended the IGP for personally visiting the state to assess the situation and reinforce ongoing operations.

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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.

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As part of his visit, Disu also met with the Emir of Minna, Alhaji Dr Umar Farouk Bahago, to commiserate with the emirate and strengthen collaboration with traditional institutions on intelligence gathering, community engagement and efforts to restore peace across the state.

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The police assured residents of Niger State of its commitment to rescuing the abducted persons, safeguarding communities and bringing the perpetrators to justice.

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