By Bayo Davids
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Olukayode Egbetokun has ordered the decimation of insurgents across the country, particularly in the nation’s capital, Abuja.
This is as Egbetokun on Tuesday summoned members of the Force Management Team, tactical and squads commanders to the Force Headquarters, Abuja, where they discussed the upscaling of the nation’s security architecture.
The development came against the backdrop of worsening insecurity in the FCT, with kidnapping becoming almost a weekly occurrence.
During the meeting, the IG mandated the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Department of Operations, to coordinate the upscaled security strategies employed to decimate kidnappers and other criminally minded individuals in the FCT, and immediately restore normalcy.
The frequency of abductions which has strangulated social and economic activities in the North-East and the North-West has spread nationwide as bandits and other criminal elements have moved their operations into major cities across the country.
The hoodlums, who hitherto operated on highways and in rural communities, have in recent times escalated their attacks on residents of Abuja, Lagos, Enugu, Kaduna and other urban centres.
The killing of four abducted victims from the Sagwari Estate Layout in Dutsen-Alhaji area, Bwari Area Council of the FCT, ignited a groundswell of anger on Monday, as the bandits who kidnapped seven family members demanded N700m for their release.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumiyiwa Adejobi, in a statement on Tuesday, said Egbetokun expressed deep concern over the unfortunate events and emphasized the need for decisive action to curb such heinous crimes.
Adejobi said, “In light of the recent incident of abduction in the Federal Capital Territory, and other similar incidents across the country, the Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, convened a crucial meeting with the Force Management Team and Tactical Squads, on Monday, January 15, 2024, to address the rising concerns surrounding insecurity in the country.
“The IG expressed deep concern over the unfortunate events and emphasized the need for decisive action to curb such heinous crimes.
“During the meeting which centred on a comprehensive review of current security challenges, strategic planning, and the deployment of tactical resources to tackle emerging threats, the IG emphasized the need for a coordinated and intelligence-driven approach to address the evolving security landscape.
“Tactical squads were briefed and directed to intensify efforts on the deployment of proactive measures to prevent criminal activities and protect citizens.
“While reassuring Nigerians, especially residents of the Federal Capital Territory, of improved security, the IG ordered the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Department of Operations, to personally coordinate the upscaled security strategies emplaced to decimate kidnappers and other criminally minded individuals in the FCT, and immediately restore normalcy.
“In addition to operational strategies, the IG underscored the significance of community engagement and collaboration with relevant stakeholders to gather information, enhance trust, and foster a collective effort in combating criminal elements.”