Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun has called for a unified national response to Nigeria’s worsening security crisis, stressing that coordinated action is essential to confronting emerging threats.
The police chief made the remarks during a sympathy visit to Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago following the abduction of students from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area.
Egbetokun described the country’s current security situation as “deep and troubling,” noting that Niger State sits at the centre of several evolving criminal threats. He condemned the growing boldness of criminal networks, warning that the situation requires immediate and collective action from both the government and citizens.
Calling the abduction of the schoolchildren “heartbreaking,” the IGP emphasized the strategic importance of Niger State and said it must receive priority national attention. He confirmed that security agencies—particularly the police—are leading rescue operations, with 50 children already recovered.
According to Egbetokun, additional tactical units and expanded intelligence operations have been deployed to ensure the safe return of the remaining abducted children and their teachers. He commended the support of the Niger State government, traditional leaders, and community stakeholders but stressed that more collaboration is needed to defeat criminal networks.
Governor Bago thanked the IGP and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for their swift intervention, noting that the police tactical units have been working tirelessly since the incident. He also acknowledged the efforts of all security agencies involved in the rescue mission.
The governor revealed that more students had been recovered and expressed confidence that all the missing children would be found, insisting that “no life is worth missing.”
He further urged residents to remain calm, united, and prayerful as the state confronts threats to national unity, democracy, and territorial integrity.
