By Frontline Reporters

Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has ordered a renewed push to secure the safe release of worshipers abducted by suspected bandits in Dekara community, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.

Disu gave the directive on Saturday during a high-level assessment visit to the Niger State Police Command in Minna, where he reviewed the security situation, assessed ongoing operations and approved additional operational support for the command.

The Inspector-General said the Nigeria Police Force, working with other security agencies, had intensified efforts to locate and rescue the victims. He disclosed that tactical and counter-terrorism teams, the Special Intervention Squad and Explosive Ordnance Disposal personnel had been deployed as part of the operation.

The police chief condemned the abduction, stressing that the safe and speedy release of the victims remained a major priority. He also charged officers and men of the command to remain vigilant, proactive and professionally committed as security operations intensify across the state.

Disu warned that attacks on innocent citizens extend beyond immediate security concerns, saying persistent violence could disrupt economic activities, undermine development and deepen insecurity in Niger State and the country at large.

He urged the command to strengthen community engagement and intelligence gathering, directing officers to ensure credible information capable of preventing attacks is promptly transmitted to operational authorities.

The IGP commended the sacrifices and resilience of police personnel in Niger State, while stressing that their courage and commitment remain critical to protecting lives and property.

On the proposed establishment of state police, Disu said the initiative would not disrupt ongoing security operations, but could enhance the capacity and efficiency of security personnel. He maintained that the Nigeria Police Force remains the country’s primary policing institution with a constitutional responsibility for internal security.

Earlier, Disu visited the Niger State Government House, where he received a briefing on the security situation from the Deputy Governor, Yakubu Garba. The Niger State Commissioner of Police, Adamu Elleman, subsequently expressed appreciation for the additional support and assurances given to the command.

The abduction occurred on August 22, 2026, when suspected bandits invaded Dekara community shortly after residents had attended Friday Juma’at prayers. The attackers reportedly stormed the area between about 2:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., rounding up an unspecified number of worshippers and residents before fleeing with their captives.

The latest deployment signals an intensified security effort to track the abductors, rescue the victims and restore confidence among residents of the affected communities.