Nigeria's Inspector General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has issued a powerful call for unified national action to combat the deepening security crisis affecting the country. The police chief's urgent appeal came during a sympathy visit to Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago following the troubling disappearance of schoolchildren from St. Mary's Catholic Schools in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area.
Niger State at the Epicenter of Security Threats
The IGP expressed grave concern about the nation's security situation, describing the challenges as both deep and troubling. He identified Niger State as being at the center of evolving security threats that demand immediate attention from all sectors of society.
During his visit on November 25, 2025, Egbetokun highlighted the increasing boldness of criminal networks operating across Nigeria. "The audacity shown by these criminal elements requires an immediate, coordinated response from all and sundry," the police chief emphasized, underscoring the critical need for collective action.
Rescue Operations Yield Results
The abduction incident at St. Mary's Catholic Schools has triggered massive security operations, with the Nigeria Police Force taking primary responsibility for rescue efforts. Significant progress has already been made, with 50 of the missing children successfully recovered through coordinated security operations.
To bolster these efforts, the police force has deployed additional tactical assets to Niger State and expanded intelligence gathering platforms. These enhanced measures aim to support the safe recovery of the remaining schoolchildren and their teachers still missing following the distressing incident.
IGP Egbetokun described the school abduction as both troubling and heartbreaking, while emphasizing Niger State's strategic importance to the nation. "Niger State is too important to Nigeria not to give it the priority attention it deserves," he stated during discussions with Governor Bago.
Collaborative Efforts and Future Outlook
The police chief acknowledged the continued support from the state government, traditional leaders, and other stakeholders, but stressed that more needs to be done to effectively combat insecurity. He assured Nigerians that the police force remains committed to preventing criminal elements from succeeding in their destructive agenda.
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago expressed appreciation for the swift response from both IGP Egbetokun and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who immediately dispatched rescue teams to locate the missing children. The governor praised the remarkable work being done by the IGP's critical and tactical commands in the ongoing operation.
Governor Bago revealed that additional recoveries have been made beyond the initial 50 children, expressing optimism that all missing individuals would eventually be safely returned. "No life is worth missing," the governor emotionally declared, reinforcing the government's commitment to protecting every citizen.
The governor called for calm and resilience among citizens while urging continued prayers for the nation. He highlighted that Nigeria's democracy, sovereignty, and national integrity face significant threats, making it imperative for all citizens to collectively defend the nation's honor and work toward restoring prosperity.
Both leaders emphasized that closer collaboration among all relevant stakeholders remains essential for successfully rescuing the remaining schoolchildren and addressing the broader security challenges facing Nigeria.
