The Imo State Police Command has intensified efforts to rescue two students of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), abducted on Sunday. It has also ordered specialised units to pursue their abductors.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Garba Bosso, gave the order on Monday after receiving the Vice-Chancellor of FUTO, Prof. I. N. S. Dozie, and members of the university management during a courtesy visit to the Command Headquarters in Owerri.

The meeting focused on security around the university following the abduction of the two students on September 6 and the death of another victim.

Bosso directed the Area Commander, Owerri; the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Ihiagwa; the Commander, Vehicle and Crimes Recovery Unit (VCRU); and the Anti-Kidnapping Unit to intensify efforts to rescue the students and arrest those responsible.

The police commissioner said some operational details were being kept private to avoid affecting the ongoing rescue operation and investigation.

He acknowledged security concerns around the Ihiagwa, Eziobodo, Obinze and Nekede areas, especially kidnapping and cult-related activities. He assured the FUTO delegation that the command had increased security in the affected areas.

Bosso said he had also met with stakeholders from the Nekede area on September 3 over similar concerns. He stressed the need for regular engagement with host communities to tackle crime.

According to him, closer cooperation with residents would help the police obtain timely and useful information needed to prevent and combat criminal activities.

The commissioner sympathised with the families, friends and university community over the death of the other victim and prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul.

He urged students, staff, residents and other stakeholders to stay alert and quickly share credible information that could help prevent or respond to criminal activities.

The FUTO Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dozie, thanked the commissioner for receiving the university delegation and for the steps being taken to improve security around the institution.

He called for continued police support and closer cooperation between the command and the university management.

Also present at the meeting were the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), Prof. Engr. Remy Uche; the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. C. C. Ogueke; the Registrar, Mr Chidozie Uba; the University Librarian, Dr Mrs. J. N. Ekere; the Chief Security Officer, FUTO, DSP Patrick Egwu (Rtd.); other principal officers and members of the FUTO management team, as well as principal staff of the Imo State Police Command. (The Nation, excluding headline)