Niger worshippers abduction: IGP Disu orders intensified rescue operations

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has ordered intensified operations to secure the release of worshippers abducted during a recent attack on communities in the Dekara District of Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.

IGP Disu gave the directive on Saturday, August 29, 2026, during a working visit to the state to assess the security situation and ongoing efforts to rescue the victims.

Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu in a statement said the IGP visited the Niger State Government House, where he was received by the Deputy Governor, Comrade Yakubu Garba, who represented Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, alongside the Commissioner for Homeland Security, Barr. Maurice Bello Magaji.

Disu conveyed the condolences of the Nigeria Police Force to the Niger State Government, the affected communities and families of the victims, assuring them that the safe recovery of the abducted persons and the arrest of those responsible remained the focus of ongoing operations.

The IGP commended the Commissioner of Police, Niger State Command, CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, for the Command’s response to the incident and timely situation reports.

He also acknowledged the support of the Niger State Government to the Police, particularly through the provision of operational vehicles, repairs of Armoured Personnel Carriers and welfare assistance for police personnel.

Addressing officers and men of the Niger State Police Command, Disu charged them to sustain intelligence-led and professionally coordinated operations, with priority given to the safety of the victims and affected communities.

He assured the Command of continued support from Force Headquarters to enhance its logistics, mobility, intelligence, training and operational capabilities.

The IGP also directed the Command to strengthen inter-agency coordination and deepen engagement with communities, stressing the importance of stronger partnerships with traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders and other stakeholders in intelligence gathering and early response to security threats.

The Deputy Governor, in his remarks, commended Disu for personally visiting the state to assess the situation and reinforce ongoing operations.

He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting the Police and other security agencies in protecting lives, restoring peace and securing the release of the abducted persons.

As part of the visit, the IGP also met with the Emir of Minna, Alhaji Dr. Umar Farouk Bahago, to commiserate with the Emirate and strengthen collaboration with traditional institutions in intelligence gathering, community engagement and efforts to restore peace across Niger State.

The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its determination to rescue the abducted persons, protect affected communities and bring the perpetrators of the attack to justice.