Police Intensify Hunt for Abducted Worshippers

Security agencies in Niger State have intensified efforts to rescue worshippers abducted by suspected bandits in Borgu Local Government Area of the state.

The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, deployed the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 7, Victor Olaiya, to coordinate the rescue operation.

The operation is being conducted in collaboration with other security agencies to secure the safe release of the victims.

The Niger State Commissioner of Police, Adamu Elleman, disclosed this on Thursday during an interactive session with journalists in Minna.

Elleman, who was represented by the Public Relations Officer of the Niger State Police Command, Wasiu Abiodun, said the rescue operation would commence in earnest in compliance with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police.

He said security agencies were analysing available intelligence and developing strategies for an effective and hitch-free operation.

According to him, the Inspector-General of Police had also provided additional operational support, including personnel from the Counter-Terrorism Unit and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, to strengthen the rescue effort.

The commissioner expressed appreciation to the Niger State Government for providing the necessary support to security agencies to enable them to effectively discharge their responsibilities.

Also speaking, the Niger State Commissioner for Homeland Security, Maurice Magaji, said the state government, under the leadership of Governor Umaru Bago, would continue to support security agencies in tackling insecurity across the state.

Magaji expressed concern over attempts by some individuals to politicise the security challenges confronting Niger State and the country, calling for greater cooperation between security agencies and local communities.

He urged residents to provide credible information that could assist security agencies in combating terrorism and other forms of criminality in their communities.

The commissioner said the government was also mindful of the humanitarian needs arising from insecurity, assuring that security agencies would take charge of the immediate situation while efforts continued to secure the affected communities.

He maintained that the government would not relent in its efforts to protect the lives and property of residents, stressing that no responsible government would be comfortable with the loss of citizens to insecurity.

Magaji called for collective efforts by all stakeholders in the fight against insecurity, noting that peace and security remained prerequisites for meaningful development in Niger State.

The victims were abducted on Friday after Juma’at prayers in Dekara community, Borgu Local Government Area.

The attack occurred between about 2:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., when armed men reportedly stormed the community and rounded up residents who had gathered at a mosque for congregational prayers.

Security agencies are now working to locate the victims and secure their safe release.