IGP Disu vows rescue of abducted Borgu worshippers

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has assured Niger State residents and families of the people abducted in Borgu Local Government Area that the police are working with other security agencies to secure their safe release.

Mr Disu gave the assurance during his visit to Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago at the Government House in Minna on Saturday.

The IGP said security agencies were making progress in the rescue operation, adding that the police had intensified intelligence gathering, operational coordination and meetings with other agencies to achieve the safe return of the victims.

He also commended Governor Bago for his cooperation and continued support for the Niger State Police Command.

The visit comes amid renewed security concerns in Borgu, where suspected terrorists attacked several communities, including Dekara, Gidan-Zana and Kpenya, on 21 August.

The attackers reportedly abducted worshippers during Juma’at prayers. While initial reports said the number of victims was unclear, the Borgu Local Government chairman later put the number at more than 60 and said nearly 30 people were killed in the coordinated attacks.

The police have since intensified rescue operations in the area, with the IGP deploying Assistant Inspector-General of Police for Zone 7, Victor Olaiya, to coordinate the operation in collaboration with other security agencies.

Borgu has experienced a series of attacks in recent months.

In June, suspected Boko Haram terrorists reportedly attacked the Pissa community, killing residents, abducting women and children and burning houses.

In August, nine bodies were also recovered along the Wawa-Lumma Road after suspected bandit attacks on travellers.

Responding to the IGP’s visit, Governor Bago, whom Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba represented, commended the police and other security agencies for their efforts to rescue the abducted victims.

He also thanked President Bola Tinubu for his intervention and directive to security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the victims.

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Mr Bago called for the use of a non-kinetic approach to complement military and other security operations in tackling banditry and terrorism.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting the police and other security agencies in the fight against criminality and restoring lasting peace across Niger State.

The governor further commended the Niger State Commissioner of Police, Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, for his efforts to address security challenges and reduce criminal activity in the state.

The latest assurance by the IGP comes as security agencies intensify operations in Borgu following the attacks, with authorities under pressure to secure the release of the abducted worshippers and restore confidence in residents.