Niger CP demands additional force to end insurgency

Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu. Photo: NPF

The Commissioner of Police of the Niger State Command, Adamu Elleman, has requested the deployment of more personnel to wipe out insurgency from the state.

Elleman made the request on Saturday while welcoming the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Tunji Disu, to the state over the abduction of many residents, including worshippers and farmers, penultimate Friday.

“We thank our boss, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Tunji Disu, for this visit to Niger State to boost the morale of officers and men of the command over this abduction. We ask for additional manpower, armoured personnel carriers and the deployment of modern tools to enhance our operations,” Elleman said.

The CP disclosed that despite the challenges confronting them, including difficult terrain and the state’s large landmass, they had been able to arrest some bandits and their collaborators, dismantle armed robbery gangs, arrest people in possession of illegal arms, recover some stolen livestock and nip cases of criminal activities in parts of the state in the bud.

He assured that his officers and men remained resolute in protecting the lives and property of residents of the state.

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Disu, in his remarks, said he came in strict compliance with the directive of President Bola Tinubu to rescue the kidnapped worshippers and to motivate and boost the morale of officers and men of the command to achieve the desired objective.

In an interaction with the officers and men of the command during the one-day visit, the IGP said his visit was not ceremonial but rather to thank them for the good work they were doing and find a more tactical way to address their problems.

He condemned the abduction of worshippers and farmers in strong terms and explained that he had deployed AIG Victor Olaiya, in charge of Zone 7, as well as the counter-terrorism unit and the EOD, in order to fast-track the rescue operation.

“I came here as soon as the President directed me. Earlier I had sent the AIG of Zone 7 to come here and coordinate the rescue operations of the worshippers. I want to thank you for the good work you have been doing. Niger State Police Command is one of the Commands in Nigeria that has not been giving us sleepless nights.

“The officers and men should continue to remain vigilant and proactive in the discharge of their duties, and also deepen their relationship with the traditional leaders, community and religious leaders to ensure the success of the fight against banditry, armed robbery, kidnapping and other criminal activities in the society,” Disu said.