The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has called for a united and decisive response to Nigeria’s growing security challenges, describing the situation as urgent and deeply concerning.

Mr Egbetokun made the call on Tuesday during a visit to Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago, following the abduction of pupils from St Mary’s Catholic Schools in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of the state.

He said the country is facing complex security threats, noting that Niger State occupies a strategic position at the heart of the evolving security landscape.

The police chief expressed concern over the increasing confidence of criminal groups, stressing that addressing the menace requires immediate, coordinated efforts among security agencies, government authorities, and other relevant stakeholders.

Describing the schoolchildren’s abduction as painful and alarming, Mr Egbetokun said Niger State was too important to be overlooked in the pursuit of national stability. He disclosed that security agencies, led by the Nigeria Police Force, were intensifying efforts to rescue the victims, with 50 children already recovered.

According to him, additional tactical units have been deployed to the area, while intelligence operations have been strengthened to secure the release of the remaining abducted pupils and their teachers.

He lauded the cooperation of the state government, traditional institutions, and other partners, while acknowledging that sustained efforts were still necessary to fully resolve the situation. The IGP assured that the police would continue to confront criminal elements and prevent them from achieving their objectives.

In his response, Governor Bago thanked the Inspector General of Police and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for their prompt intervention, particularly the deployment of specialised rescue teams.

The governor praised the commitment of police tactical and operational commands, as well as other security agencies involved in the rescue mission. He confirmed that progress had been made in recovering the abducted children and expressed confidence that those still missing would return safely.

Mr Bago urged residents to remain calm and hopeful, emphasising that the protection of lives was a shared responsibility. He added that the country’s democracy and sovereignty were under threat from criminal activities, calling for collective action to restore peace and stability.

(NAN)