By Our Reporter
Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun pledged on Tuesday that the police would secure the release of all Nigerians currently held by kidnappers.
Egbetokun made this commitment at the Force Headquarters while reviewing the success of recent operations that led to the rescue of 20 medical students from the University of Maiduguri and Plateau State University, who were abducted in Benue while en route to a conference in Enugu State. The statement was relayed by Force spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi.
A report released by Statisense on Tuesday revealed that 2,149 Nigerians were kidnapped nationwide in 2023. The North-West experienced the highest number with 759 cases, followed by the North Central with 476, the North-East with 408, the South-South with 216, the South-East with 191, and the South-West with the fewest at 99 cases.
Adejobi emphasized that the IG has vowed to exhaust all efforts to rescue the over 2,000 citizens kidnapped in 2023, along with those abducted in 2024 and previous years. Egbetokun also pledged to ensure that police officers operate with professionalism and a community-focused approach.
“The Inspector General of Police reaffirms the dedication of the Force to build a professional, law-abiding, service-oriented, and people-friendly police department. He assures the public that all Nigerians in captivity will be rescued,” Adejobi stated.
The IG expressed gratitude to National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, other security agencies, and local communities for their support in rescuing the medical students.
“The IGP deeply appreciates the unwavering support of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and other security forces in fulfilling their constitutional duties,” Adejobi said. “He also extends his thanks to the military, other security personnel, and local community members for their critical contributions to the rescue operations.”
Egbetokun called on citizens to actively participate in national security and development efforts to foster modern policing and drive socioeconomic and political progress in Nigeria. He emphasized the need for collaboration among all stakeholders, including police, other security agencies, and government bodies, to achieve a safer and more governed Nigeria.