The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun has guaranteed the public of the rescue of all Nigerians in captivity across the country. He made this assurance in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja through the force Public Relations Officer, Olumiyiwa Adejobi.
The IGP also reflected and appraised the effectiveness of the well-coordinated operations put in place for the rescue of the 20 medical students who were kidnapped in Benue State on their way to Enugu for a medical conference on the 15th of August this year. The efforts also extend to seven other Nigerians in captivity.
According to him, the force promises to fulfill the pledge of rescuing the kidnapped victims.
“This is our pledge, and we will ensure its fulfillment,” the statement said in part.
Looking at the data presented by Statisense through their verified X handle on Tuesday, it states that no fewer than 2,149 Nigerians were kidnapped across the country in 2023.
Furthermore, they grouped these kidnapped persons into geo-political zones with the North-West having 759 kidnap cases, the North Central has 476 cases, the North-East has 408 cases, the South-South has 216 cases, the South-East has 191 cases, and the South-West has the fewest with 99 cases.
Speaking further on the matter, the IGP urged citizens to engage actively in national security and development initiatives in pursuit of an all-inclusive policing strategy. The call is to foster modern policing to promote socioeconomic and political advancement in Nigeria.
The IGP further advocated for citizen volunteerism and an individualistic approach to social and security restructuring in the country. While placing emphasis on the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders, security agencies and government entities across all levels, the IGP expressed gratitude to the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu for his support in rescuing the kidnapped victims of Nigeria.
He further acknowledged the efforts of the military and other security personnel, as well as local community members who actively participated in the rescue operation. He reaffirmed the dedication of the Police, under his leadership, to assiduously emplace a Police Force that is professionally competent, rule-of-law compliant, service-driven, and people-friendly.
The increasing number of killings and kidnappings across the country has left fear in the hearts of all. Even worse is the deliberate targeting of medical personnels, one of which has been in captivity for over 8 months. The promise by the IGP to ensure the prompt rescue is reassuring and rest assured that the citizens shall hold the IGP to task.
