Police step up efforts to rescue kidnapped villagers in Niger

Security agencies are working hard to rescue Muslims kidnapped by suspected bandits in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.

The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has sent the Assistant Inspector-General of Police for Zone 7, Victor Olaiya, to lead the rescue mission.

This operation involves collaboration with other security agencies, aiming to safely bring back the abducted worshippers.

Niger State Commissioner of Police, Adamu Elleman, shared this update on Thursday during a meeting with journalists in Minna.

Mr Elleman, represented by the command’s spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, a superintendent of police, said the rescue operation started following the IGP's directive.

He mentioned that the police are studying available intelligence and creating strategies for a successful rescue.

The IGP has also sent specialized units, such as the Counter-Terrorism Unit and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit, to assist in the operation.

Mr Elleman thanked the Niger State Government for supporting security agencies so they can do their jobs well.

The Niger State Commissioner for Homeland Security, Maurice Magaji, also spoke. He said the state government will keep giving security agencies the resources they need to fight insecurity.

Mr Magaji stated that the government is dedicated to protecting lives and property. He urged residents to share useful information with the security agencies.

He criticized attempts to make insecurity a political issue in Niger State and nationwide. He called on communities to work with security agencies to combat banditry, terrorism, and other crimes.

He said security agencies would handle the immediate security actions, while the government would continue to offer humanitarian support when needed.

The commissioner emphasized that the government will keep working to solve insecurity problems, noting that no responsible government would accept the killing or kidnapping of its citizens.

He called for everyone, government, security agencies, traditional leaders, and communities, to join forces against insecurity.

"Peace is the prerequisite for any meaningful development," Mr Magaji said.

Borgu is one of the Niger State areas dealing with serious security problems, including attacks and kidnappings by suspected bandits.

The recent kidnapping of worshippers has raised fears about the safety of residents and worshippers in weak communities.

The assignment of senior police officers and specialized units shows that the security response is increasing. Authorities say the top priority is to rescue the victims safely.