The Nigerian Government says measures are already in place to ensure the safe release of the abducted students, staff and members of their families.
The government said the unfortunate incident that took place at the Government Science College Kagara, in Niger state North-Central Nigeria was the handy work of bandits operating along the area.
The country’s Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed disclosed this when he led the Federal Government delegation to the State to get first-hand information and fact-finding mission of what had transpired.
Alhaji Mohammed who noted that the State government had already swung into action, endorsed the steps taken and stressed that the Federal Government will not surrender its sovereignty to criminals but reassured the people of the State in particular and Nigeria in general that no stone will be left unturned to ensure the safety of all.
The National Security Adviser Babagana Monguno in his remarks said both kinetic and non-kinetic approach will be used to secure the release of the students and others, adding that there will be a confluence of efforts both political as well as military to resolve the issue.
He said President Muhammadu Buhari is resolved and determined to apply whatever it takes to ensure the safety of lives and property in the country.
Read Also: Niger State: President Buhari orders rescue of kidnapped Staff, Students
Also speaking, the Inspector General (IG) of Police Mohammed Abubakar Adamu said a lot of strategies have been put in place to deal with the situation, adding that the rate of Banditry and Kidnappings in the country has remained an issue of concern to the Federal Government.
The IGP stated that the Police was working in synergy with other security agencies within the various communities to ensure that the kidnapped students as well as others travelling along Zungeru-Kontagora road are freed unharmed.
He said the Force will reinforce the strategy deployed in the release of Kankara Students in Katsina State to also achieve the same feat in addition to using its constitutional approach to tackle the situation.
To ensure the state is kept peaceful and the criminals dealt with, the IGP said the police has deployed four units of Mobile Police Force to the state and is working with the Department of State Security Service (DSS) to reinforce security.
Earlier, Governor Abubakar Sani Bello had briefed the delegation on the security situation and the efforts made so far to ensure the safe return of the students and others that have been abducted.
He expressed delight over the prompt action taking by the Federal Government on the incidents and said he is hopeful that the abducted people will be released soon.
The Federal Government’s delegation included Ministers of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Interior Rouf Aregbesola and Police Affair, Mohammed Maigari Dingydi as well as National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno and Inspector General (IG) of Police Mohammed Abubakar Adamu.
Zainab Sa’id
Read More: Students Abduction: Niger State closes down Secondary Schools
