NIGER ABDUCTIONS: IG DEPLOYS AIG AS RESCUE OPERATION BEGINS

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has deployed the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 7, Victor Olaiya, to Niger State to coordinate efforts to rescue residents abducted in recent attacks.

The victims were abducted on Friday following an attack on a mosque in the Dekkara area of New Bussa, Borgu Local Government Area, as well as other affected communities, including Massaka, Sabongida and Gidamaza.

The deployment followed President Bola Tinubu’s directive for security agencies to launch an immediate rescue operation and ensure the safe return of the abducted residents.

The Niger State Police Command said the AIG would coordinate police operational assets and work with other security agencies to intensify the rescue mission.

Additional personnel and resources, including the Counter-Terrorism Unit, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit and Police Air Wing, have also been deployed to support the operation.

Police authorities said the Air Wing would conduct surveillance to assist efforts to locate the victims, while other tactical teams would support the wider operation.

The police have, however, declined to give a definitive figure for the number of people abducted, saying providing an unverified figure could be premature while investigations and intelligence gathering continue.

Niger State Commissioner for Homeland Security, Maurice Magaji, said the state government was providing logistical support to security agencies involved in the operation.

He appealed to residents to cooperate with security personnel and provide credible information that could assist efforts to locate the victims and restore security in the affected communities.

The state government also said security agencies would first secure and clear affected areas before humanitarian assistance could be provided.

Authorities have assured residents that efforts are ongoing to secure the safe release of the abducted persons and strengthen security across the affected communities.