Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has directed the immediate deployment of a mobile police unit to Kuriga Community, in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, following the kidnap of pupils and teachers of LEA Primary School in the Community
Recall that over 280 students of the school were kidnapped last Thursday, sparking national outrage.
According to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the IGP announced the deployment when he visited the state to assess the situation firsthand, in the company of the Deputy Inspector General in charge of the Force Intelligence Department, Habu Sani, on Tuesday.
The statement noted that Egbetokun sympathised with the people and the governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, while stating the dedication of the NPF to ensure the rescue of the abducted students, using both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches.
The statement read in part, “Following the distressing abduction of school students in Kaduna, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, along with the DIG in charge of the Force Intelligence Department, Habu Sani, DIG Department of Operations Ede Ayuba Ekpeji,, AIG Police Mobile Force Yekini Adio Ayokui, and other senior officers undertook a visit to the state to assess the situation firsthand.
“The IGP reiterated the dedication of the Nigeria Police Force to ensuring the safe rescue of all the abducted students assuring that both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches are being vigorously pursued to secure the release of the students and bring the perpetrators to justice.
“In a bid to bolster security efforts, the IGP also announced the immediate deployment of a fully armed and ready unit of mobile policemen to the Kuriga Community to enhance security in the affected area and facilitate swift action towards the rescue operation”.
Responding, the Kaduna State Governor promised the support of the state government for the deployed mobile police unit while calling on members of the media to ensure responsible journalism through the period of the crisis.
As part of his visit, the IGP also met with police officers at the Police Command and the Police College, Kaduna, and addressed their concerns while assuring them of the Force’s unwavering commitment to their welfare, “to bequeath to Nigerians a police institution that is service driven, professionally competent, people friendly and rule of law compliant for a more secure environment in Nigeria”.
Egbetokun also noted the critical nature of the task ahead of the Nigeria Police Force, which he said will be carried out assiduously to ensure the safety and security of all citizens.
“He urged the public to remain calm and cooperate with the Police and other relevant security agencies in the tireless duty towards a swift resolution of the present security challenges in our dear county”, the statement added.
