By Princess Simon (Bureau Chief North-Central, in Minna)
Barely twenty-four hours after the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Niger state Council gave Niger state government a one-week ultimatum to ensure the immediate rescue of the 136 islamiyya pupils and other hostages, the police in Niger state has assured that the pupils will soon be recovered.
Speaking to journalists for the first time after resuming duty, the new Niger State Police Commissioner, Monday Bala Kuryas, said with the level of intelligence so far gathered, there is strong hope that the abducted children of the Tanko Salihu Islamiyya, Tegina will be out of captivity.
“Intelligence is on and the security agencies in the state are doing their best to locate where the children are and subsequently rescue them”, Kuryas assured during his one-day tour of Mariga local government area to assess the tactical teams and special formations in the area.
The State Police boss equally said, “We are doing our best, trying to locate where these children are at the moment, and by the grace of God, I assure you that efforts are being put in place by both the state government and the security agencies to see to their release”.
Kuryas who just resumed an official tour of police formations in the state, however, expressed satisfaction with the situations on the ground, adding that the state government and his predecessor did their best to reduce terrorism, armed banditry, crime, and criminality, to the barest minimum.
“I am happy with the security architecture of the state. The state has done a lot to see that these violent crimes are reduced to the barest minimum. I have checked all that is on the ground and I intend to improve upon what my predecessor had done”, the CP stated
The essence of the tour is to check existing tactical teams and to know the terrain of the state. This, according to Police Commissioner Kuryas, prompted his visit to security posts where the special forces are stationed in Zungeru, Tegina, Mariga, and Kontagora.
He however said, “We need to re-double our efforts and be professional and also be alert especially now that we know the areas with serious security challenges of armed banditry, kidnappings, and other violent crimes, to apply our high-level professionalism”.
With collaboration with other security agencies, Kuryas said there is hope for Niger State to be free of crime and criminalities. “You know that today’s policing is not only about police alone or only security agencies, it also involves community policing. It is intelligence-driven”.
He assured the special forces that their welfare would receive utmost attention as the state government is working towards improving their welfare and provide other logistics to enable them to carry out their duties effectively. NNL.
