Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has reaffirmed that criminal groups will not be allowed to undermine national stability through acts of terror, stressing that the police remain fully committed to restoring peace in all affected communities.
The police chief pledged on Tuesday during a sympathy visit to Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris following the abduction of students from Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, by armed bandits.
Egbetokun condemned the attack as both a criminal act and an act of terror designed to break community resilience and deprive children of their right to education.
“We are deeply pained to visit Kebbi under these circumstances,” he said.
“The recent surge in bandit attacks on vulnerable communities has caused massive pain and instability, leading to the closure of schools. The police leadership recognises the profound fear and pressure gripping these communities.”
He assured that the Nigeria Police Force is determined to “fight this evil” and will not allow criminal elements to succeed in their “cruel agenda.”
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The IGP disclosed that additional tactical assets have been deployed to Kebbi State, intelligence operations have been expanded, and collaboration with other security agencies and community-based groups has been strengthened.
“Kebbi is important to Nigeria,” he said. “Without peace in Kebbi, there can be no peace in neighbouring Sokoto and the wider region.”
Governor Idris expressed appreciation for the visit and for the priority given to the state’s security challenges.
He also confirmed that the police had deployed armoured vehicles to support security operations.
“We thank Mr Kayode Egbetokun for giving prominence to Kebbi,” the governor said, praising the IGP as a “listening leader” and commending the state police command for its swift response to emergencies.
Idris reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting law enforcement efforts and pledged continued cooperation with security agencies to protect lives and properties across the state.