IGP deploys 510 policemen to tackle kidnapping

The acting Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, has approved the deployment of 510 riot policemen on the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway in a renewed operation against kidnappers and other hoodlums.

The operation was backed with 40 patrol vehicles and armoured carriers, which were deployed in dark spots and vulnerable points along the road.

Disclosing this while speaking during the inauguration of Operation Maximum Safety in Abuja on Friday, the police boss tasked the policemen to curb all forms of crime and criminality around the area and provide security for travelers and residents of surrounding communities.

Represented by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operation, Habila Joshak, Idris stated that criminals would not be allowed to take over any part of the country.

He said that the government was worried about the insecurity along the highway and decided to deploy the security personnel to ensure security of lives and  properties.

The police boss called on the community leaders, residents and youths to support the police with information that will enable them deliver on its mandate.

He disclosed that the operatives were selected from different Mobile Police Force units for the special operation.

The IGP assured the policemen that their welfare would be taken care of, adding that the Kaduna State government had offered to pay their allowances and to fuel their patrol vehicles.

He said, “we would regularly review the template for providing security from time to time to smoke out the criminals. We are not going to spare or think twice about anyone who raises his gun to fire at innocent citizens, we would not allow that hand to come down.

“I say this with all sense of purpose, but we cannot achieve this without the support of the community leaders, the people and the youth.”