The Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, has expressed concern over the abduction of 25 students from Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
Egbetokun spoke on Tuesday during a sympathy visit to Governor Nasir Idris, at the Government House, Birnin Kebbi, where he assured that the Nigeria Police Force would sustain ongoing operations until peace is fully restored.
“I feel deeply pained to visit Kebbi under these circumstances. We recognise the pressure this incident has placed on the Danko-Wasagu community and the state as a whole. We understand the gravity of the situation,” he said.
Describing the attack as an act of terror aimed at instilling fear and disrupting education, the IGP said the police had expanded operational deployments and strengthened intelligence-sharing with other security agencies.
“The attack on the school in Maga is not just a crime; it is meant to break our resolve and deny students their right to learn. We have widened our operational platforms to confront these threats,” he added.
Egbetokun noted that restoring security in Kebbi is crucial to stability in the North-West and the country at large.
“If Kebbi is safe, the North-West will be safe, and by extension, the entire country,” he said.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the police to work with the state government and other security agencies to track down the perpetrators and protect communities.
Governor Idris, in his response, commended the IGP for the prompt visit and ongoing security interventions.
“We appreciate the IGP and security agencies for their efforts. Kebbi is ready to continue partnering with the police to strengthen security across the state,” he said.
The governor acknowledged the recent deployment of Armoured Personnel Carriers, APCs, and other assets to vulnerable areas, noting that the state had enjoyed relative calm before the recent incident.
He restated the government’s commitment to supporting federal security efforts to curb banditry and restore lasting peace.