Kidnapping: IG orders security beef up along Abuja-Kaduna expressway
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the deployment of police officers and security equipment to ensure the safety of travellers along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway.
Egbetokun also directed the deputy IG, Operations, Ede Ekpeji, to ensure the strict monitoring of the security personnel assigned to the route, adding that the presence of the equipped operatives will “act as a deterrent to criminal activities..”
This was made known in a statement released via the Nigeria Police Force’s handle on X, early Thursday, and issued at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
The statement read, “The IGP, while directing the DIG Operations, DIG Ede Ayuba Ekpeji, on strict supervision of the personnel detailed for operations along the route, reiterated that the proactive step aims to reassure citizens and travellers of their safety, as the increased presence of security forces in the region will
“In response to the growing concerns regarding security along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has implemented robust measures to enhance safety and security in the region.”
Adejobi noted that the deployment will leverage “advanced technology and strategic resources to bolster the overall security infrastructure along the route..”
“The IGP, while directing the DIG Operations, DIG Ede Ayuba Ekpeji, on strict supervision of the personnel detailed for operations along the route, reiterated that the proactive step aims to reassure citizens and travellers of their safety, as the increased presence of security forces in the region will act as a deterrent to criminal activities,” the statement noted.
Egbetokun stressed the importance of collaborative effort as in “maintaining the security and well-being of all residents and travellers,” adding that the public should “remain vigilant” and “cooperate with security personnel” while discharging their duties.
“The IGP assures the public that these strengthened security measures are part of an ongoing commitment to ensuring a secure and peaceful environment,” the statement added.
PUNCH Online reports that no fewer than 85 persons, comprising both travellers and residents, were said to have been abducted by terrorists at Katari along the Kaduna – Abuja highways near Katari, in the Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
It was also gathered that more than four residents were killed by the hoodlums.
The breakdown of those abducted by the bloodthirsty terrorists indicated that between Thursday and Sunday, January 7, 2024, a total of 85 persons were abducted.
The Kaduna State Police Command confirmed that there was a bandit attack on the Kaduna-Abuja Expressway at Dogon Fili near Katari.
However, the command was silent on the abduction of the travellers along the Kaduna-Abuja Expressway.
