The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, yesterday, called for a unified crackdown amid abductions of schoolchildren.

He described Niger State as the epicentre of the country’s escalating security threats.

He stated this when he visited Governor Umaru Bago over the abduction of pupils of St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area of the state.

Egbetokun said that the nation’s security issues have become deep and worrying, expressing shock over the boldness and brazenness of criminal gangs. He stressed the need for united action in addressing the insecurity confronting the country.

The IGP said the St. Mary’s case is sad and heartbreaking, stressing that Niger State is very important to Nigeria and needs special focus.

He said the security agencies, especially the Nigeria Police Force, are carrying the burden of rescuing the abducted children even as 50 of them have been recovered.

The IGP said that the force has deployed additional tactical assets in the state and expanded their intelligence platforms towards the safe recovery of the remaining school children and their teachers.

Governor Bago thanked the IG and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for their prompt response in sending a rescue team to find the abducted school children, adding that the IG’s critical and tactical commands have been doing remarkable work.

Bago said that more recoveries have been made and expressed optimism that all the children would be recovered, as “no life is worth missing.”

He enjoined everyone to remain calm and resolute and continue to pray for the nation, adding that the nation’s democracy, sovereignty, and national integrity are being threatened; hence, the need to collectively defend its honour, salvage and bring it back to the path of prosperity. (The Nation)