The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has been to Niger State to assess the security situation and ongoing operations on the ground following the recent attack and abduction of worshipers in communities in Dekara District of Borgu Local Government Area.
The visit to Disu on Saturday was at the Niger State Government House where he was received by Deputy Governor, Yakubu Garba who stood in for Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, the Commissioner for Homeland Security, Maurice Magaji.
In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Ani Iniedu, the IGP expressed the condolences of the Nigeria Police Force to the Niger State Government, residents and families of the victims.
He assured the state that the safe recovery of the abducted persons and the arrest of the perpetrators remain the main focus of the ongoing operations.
Disu commended the response of the state Commissioner of Police, Adamu Elleman, and the quick submission of situation reports by the command after the incident.
He also praised the Niger State Government for its continued support to the police, particularly in the provision of operational vehicles, repairing of Armored Personnel Carriers and welfare assistance for security personnel.
IGP calls for intelligence-based operations
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Disu while addressing officers and men of the Niger State Police Command, charged them to sustain intelligence-led and professionally coordinated operations with emphasis on the safety of victims and affected communities.
He assured the command of the continued support of Force Headquarters to improve its logistics, mobility, intelligence, training and operational capacity.
The IGP also called for more cooperation between security agencies and more engagement with local communities.
He highlighted the need to work with traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders and other stakeholders to improve intelligence gathering and allow for faster responses to security threats.
Deputy Governor Vows Support
Mr. Garba praised Disu for personally coming to the state to assess the security situation and to boost the ongoing rescue efforts.
He reiterated the Niger State Government’s support for the police and other security agencies in their efforts to protect residents, restore peace and secure the release of the abducted worshipers.
Disu also paid a visit to the Emir of Minna, Alhaji Dr Umar Farouk Bahago during his visit.
The meeting focused on ways to improve collaboration with traditional institutions on intelligence gathering, community engagement and peace building across the state.
The Nigeria Police Force assured residents that efforts would be sustained to rescue the abducted persons, protect communities and bring the perpetrators of the attack to justice.