In light of the persistent threat of kidnapping in some parts of the country, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) said it is reinvigorating its efforts to combat the heinous crime and other related vices.
In line with this, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun has issued a charge to the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the Force Intelligence Department (FID), and the broader intelligence community to enhance their operations and intelligence gathering capabilities to effectively tackle the scourge of kidnapping across the nation.
In a statement on Wednesday, Force Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commissioner Olumuyiwa Adejobi said that the IGP noted that kidnapping, abduction, and other similar security threats have remained significant security challenges in some parts of the country, threatening the safety and well-being of the citizens. Recognising the gravity of this trend, the IGP said that the NPF is committed to deploying all necessary resources and strategies to curtail the challenges and ensure the safety of all Nigerians.
Adejobi said that the IGP has directed the FID to intensify its intelligence-gathering efforts and collaborate closely with other law enforcement agencies and relevant stakeholders to gather actionable intelligence on kidnapping syndicates and their dynamic natures across the country.
The statement further read: “Furthermore, the intelligence community at large is urged to enhance coordination and information sharing to facilitate targeted operations against kidnappers and their networks with a view to rescuing the captives at various locations and decimating the activities of the evildoers who are bent on jeopardising the collective peace and stability in our dear country”.
Also, the statement stated that the IGP hosted delegates from the United States Treasury Department and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit at the Force Headquarters, Abuja. It was a strategic meeting focused on enhancing financial intelligence capabilities and strengthening the fight against corruption, counterterrorism financing, and money laundering.
During the discussions, Adejobi said that both parties emphasised the critical role of financial intelligence in combating various forms of illicit activities and reaffirmed the commitment to collaborative efforts aimed at safeguarding national security and promoting integrity in financial systems.
While commending the intelligence operatives across board for their efforts in tackling the current security challenges in the country, the IGP assured that the NPF would leave no stone unturned to sustain the fight against kidnapping and other criminal activities.
He expressed the resoluteness of the Police to bringing perpetrators of these heinous crimes to justice.
