Egbetokun worried by increasing boldness of criminal networks in Nigeria

By Mohammed Baba Busu

The Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Kayode Egbetokun, has expressed worry over the increasing boldness of criminal networks in the country, saying the situation requires an immediate, coordinated and collective response from all stakeholders.

Egbetokun stated this on Tuesday when he paid a visit to Gov. Umaru Bago of Niger over the incident involving school children of St. Mary’s Catholic Schools in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area.

The Police Chief emphasised the need for a united and decisive action to tackle the security challenges confronting the country.

He noted that the nation is grappling with deep and troubling security concerns, stressing that Niger sits at the centre of the evolving threats.

Egbetokun described the incident as “troubling and heartbreaking,” adding that the state remains too strategic to Nigeria to be neglected in the quest for national security.

He said that security agencies, especially the Nigeria Police Force, is bearing the burden of rescuing the missing children, noting that 50 of them have so far been recovered.

Egbetokun said the Force had deployed additional tactical assets and expanded its intelligence operations to ensure the safe return of the remaining children and their teachers.

He appreciated the support of the state government, traditional rulers and other stakeholders, but maintained that more work still needed to be done.

He assured that the Nigeria Police would not allow criminal elements to succeed in their agenda.

Responding, Bago expressed appreciation to the I-G and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for their swift intervention through the deployment of a rescue team.

He commended the police critical and tactical commands for their remarkable efforts, and acknowledged the roles of other security agencies working to rescue the missing children.

The governor said that more recoveries had been recorded and expressed optimism that all the missing children would be found, insisting that “no life is worth missing.”

He urged the public to remain calm, resolute, and prayerful, noting that the nation’s democracy, sovereignty, and integrity were under threat and therefore required collective efforts to restore prosperity.

(NAN)