Police Chief Disu promises to rescue kidnapped Borgu worshippers

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has promised Niger State residents and families of those kidnapped in Borgu Local Government Area that the police are working with other security groups to get them back safely.

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

The IGP said the security forces are making headway in the rescue mission. He added that the police have stepped up intelligence gathering, operational coordination and meetings with other agencies to ensure the victims return home safe.

He praised Governor Bago for his cooperation and continuous support for the Niger State Police Command.

The visit comes at a time when security worries are rising in Borgu. Suspected terrorists attacked several communities, including Dekara, Gidan-Zana and Kpenya, on 21 August.

The attackers abducted worshippers during Juma’at prayers. While early reports were unclear about the number of victims, the chairman of Borgu Local Government later said there were over 60 victims and almost 30 people were killed in the attacks.

The police have since ramped up rescue efforts in the area. The IGP has sent Assistant Inspector-General of Police for Zone 7, Victor Olaiya, to lead the operation alongside other security agencies.

Borgu has faced a string of attacks in recent months.

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

In August, nine bodies were found along the Wawa-Lumma Road after bandits attacked travellers.

In response to the IGP’s visit, Governor Bago, represented by Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba, thanked the police and other security groups for their efforts to rescue the kidnapped victims.

He also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his intervention and order to security agencies to do more in rescuing the victims.

Mr Bago suggested using a non-violent approach alongside military and other security operations to fight banditry and terrorism.

He confirmed his government’s commitment to supporting the police and other security agencies in the fight against crime and restoring lasting peace in Niger State.

The governor also praised the Niger State Commissioner of Police, Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, for his work in addressing security issues and reducing crime in the state.

The IGP's latest assurance comes as security agencies step up operations in Borgu following the attacks. Authorities are under pressure to ensure the release of the kidnapped worshippers and regain the trust of the residents.