…as Tinubu orders withdrawal of Policemen attached to VIPs

Nigerian Security Forces have recorded significant victories in the ongoing battle against banditry, with at least 88 victims regaining their freedom in separate developments across Kwara and Niger States this weekend.

The breakthrough comes just days after President Bola Tinubu cancelled his scheduled trip to the G20 Summit in South Africa to personally oversee the government’s response to the recent surge in abductions, vowing to defeat terrorism and secure every inch of the Nigerian territory.

In Kwara State, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq announced the successful release of 38 worshippers abducted from the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area.

The victims, who were seized during a prayer service earlier in the week, were freed on Sunday following what the Governor described as an “intense collaboration” between security agencies and state authorities.

“The release of these 38 innocent citizens is a testament to the renewed vigour and coordination of our security forces,” Governor AbdulRazaq said in a statement.

He explicitly credited the success to President Tinubu’s hands-on approach, noting that the President’s directive to deploy additional tactical teams and intelligence assets to the region proved decisive.

Simultaneously, relief spread through Niger State as 50 students abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic Private School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, regained their freedom.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) confirmed that the students, who were part of a larger group abducted on Friday, managed to escape their captors between Friday night and Saturday morning.

While 253 students and 12 teachers remain in captivity, the return of the 50 students is being viewed as a morale booster for the security operations currently combing the forests.

Security sources suggest that the intensified aerial surveillance and ground pressure applied by the military may have disoriented the kidnappers, creating the window for the students escape.

The twin developments underscore the heightened security posture ordered by the Presidency.

In a statement yesterday, President Tinubu revealed that he met with Service Chiefs to assess the current situation.

He also ordered the withdrawal of police officers currently providing security for Very Important Persons in the country.

According to the statement, the police authorities will deploy them to concentrate on their core police duties.

According to the Presidential directive, VIPs who want police protection will now request well-armed personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

“Many parts of Nigeria, especially remote areas,  have few policemen at the stations, thus making the task of protecting and defending the people difficult. In view of the current security challenges facing the country, President Tinubu is desirous of boosting police presence in all communities.”

“Already, President Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 30,000 additional police officers. The federal government is also collaborating with the states to upgrade police training facilities nationwide.” The statement disclosed.

Sunday’s meeting was attended by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Waidi Shaibu; the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke; the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; and the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Tosin Adeola Ajayi.

The President also reiterated his administration’s refusal to bow to criminal elements.

He said, “My fellow Nigerians, You will recall that I cancelled my trip to the G20 summit in South Africa to enable me coordinate the security efforts at home.”

“Thanks to the efforts of  our security forces over the last few days, all the 38 worshippers abducted in Eruku, Kwara State have been rescued.”

“I am equally happy that 51 out of the missing students of the Catholic School in Niger State, have been recovered.”

“I am closely monitoring the security situation nationwide and receiving continuous updates from the frontline.”

“Let me be clear: I will not relent. Every Nigerian, in every state, has the right to safety and under my watch, we will secure this nation and protect our people,” the President declared