In response to the kidnapping of six young girls in the Federal Capital Territory’s Bwari Area Council, the Nigeria Police Force announced that it is stepping up efforts to recover the victims.
The force also gave Nigerians assurances that measures are being taken to stop kidnapping incidents from occurring all over the nation.
This information was released on Saturday in a statement that Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer, signed.
This is the aftermath of gunmen allegedly killing one of the girls, Najeebah, then kidnapping her and five other sisters in Abuja.
On January 9, Najeebah’s father was kidnapped along with her sisters.
It was learned that the gunmen eventually freed their father and instructed him to go obtain a ransom of N60 million before Friday, January 12, in order to secure the freedom of her daughters.
Unable to raise the necessary funds, the thugs allegedly killed Najeebah, the oldest of the six daughters, and disposed of her body for her parents to bury.
According to Adejobi, Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector General, has directed that tactical intelligence units be expanded in order to combat kidnapping.
He said, “In the wake of the abduction of six young girls in the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, it is vital to state that the Police Force has already initiated a comprehensive plan of action. The Force Headquarters is diligently coordinating efforts to address this and prevent any further occurrences, as all hands are on deck to rescue the victims.
“However, the sensitivity of the situation necessitates discretion, and as a result, specific details are being kept confidential to avoid compromising ongoing operations.
“The NPF is actively engaging and contacting individuals crucial to the rescue operations and investigation. The objective is not only to bring perpetrators to justice but also to intensify efforts in rescue operations for victims still in captivity.”
The police boss, however, called on the public to corroborate the effect of the operatives by relaying useful information to the force.
“Furthermore, recognising the psychological impact on affected families, the Police are encouraging open communication with their operatives to provide support, information, and assistance to mitigate the psychological warfare imposed by kidnappers on the relatives and loved ones of their victims,” he urged.
Meanwhile, Egbetokun on Thursday ordered the deployment of police officers with guarded security equipment to be stationed on the road and ensure the safety of travellers following the incessant kidnappings along the Abuja-Kaduna expressway.
