Following the kidnapping of six young girls in the Federal Capital Territory’s Bwari Area Council, the Nigeria Police Force said it is stepping up efforts to rescue the victims.
The force also informed Nigerians that efforts are in the works to avoid such kidnappings across the country.
On Saturday, the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, issued a statement confirming the occurrence.
This development is coming after one of the girls identified as Najeebah was reportedly killed by gunmen who abducted her and five other sisters in Abuja.
Najeebah and her sisters were abducted on January 9, alongside their father.
It was gathered that the gunmen later released their father, asking him to go get N60m ransom for the release of her daughters before Friday, January 12.
The hoodlums reportedly killed the oldest of the six girls, Najeebah, and dumped her body somewhere for her parents to bury as they were unable to raise the money.
Adejobi said the IG, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the upscaling of tactical intelligence teams in the fight against 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.