Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has emphasised the need for united, decisive action to tackle the security challenges confronting the country.

Mr Egbetokun spoke on Tuesday during his visit to Governor Umaru Bago of Niger over the abduction of schoolchildren in St. Mary’s Catholic Schools in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area.

He said the nation is grappling with deep and troubling security concerns, stressing that Niger sits at the centre of the evolving threats.

The police boss expressed worry over the increasing boldness of criminal networks, saying the situation requires an immediate, coordinated and collective response from all stakeholders.

Mr Egbetokun described the incident as “troubling and heartbreaking,” adding that the state remains too strategic to Nigeria to be neglected in the quest for national security.

He said security agencies, especially the Nigeria Police Force, are bearing the burden of rescuing the missing children, noting that 50 of them have so far been recovered.

Mr Egbetokun said the force had deployed additional tactical assets and expanded its intelligence operations to ensure the safe return of the remaining children and their teachers.

He appreciated the support of the state government, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders but maintained that more work still needed to be done.

The IGP assured that the Nigerian police would not allow criminal elements to succeed in their agenda.

Responding, Mr Bago expressed appreciation to the IGP and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for their swift intervention by deploying a rescue team.

He commended the police critical and tactical commands for their efforts and acknowledged the roles of other security agencies working to rescue the missing children.

The governor said more recoveries had been recorded and expressed optimism that all the missing children would be found, insisting that “no life is worth missing.”

He urged the public to remain calm, resolute, and prayerful, noting that the nation’s democracy, sovereignty, and integrity were under threat and therefore required collective efforts to restore prosperity.

(NAN)