KIDNAPPING: IGP IBRAHIM IDRIS COMMEND LOCAL COMMUNITIES, SECURITY AGENCIES & NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Alhaji Ibrahim Kpotu-Idris, has disclosed that the support of Nigerians in local communities and the partnership with other security agencies contributed immensely in the mass arrest of suspected notorious kidnappers and armed robbers across the country.

Idris disclosed  this while presenting a paper at the International Congress of the fight against the menace of kidnapping, terrorism and extortion in Cartagena, Columbia on Wednesday.

He noted that the support of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government in terms of funding and the National Assembly has also contributed immensely in boosting the morale of men and officers of the Force to put in their best.

While applauding the legislators for passing into law, the bill that stipulates death sentence on kidnappers, the IGP expressed optimism that the law would discourage and reduce the rate of kidnapping in the country.

“Permit me at this juncture, to salute the courage of the National Assembly who recently passed into law, death sentence on Kidnappers.

“This, I am optimistic, will discourage and reduce the menace of kidnapping in Nigeria as no one would like to risk his/her life into the business. I am sure the kidnappers in the country will have a change of heart,” IGP Idris stressed.

He, however, expressed optimism that in the next few years, with the continued support of all Nigerians, kidnapping for ransom will be a thing of the past.

“When the President Buhari- led administration came into power, it considered the fight against these vices a priority.

“The Nigeria Police Force being the agency responsible for providing security in the country, we decided to enter into partnership with other sister security agencies in the country.

“We also introduced a Special Unit, christened, Rapid Respond Team and Counter Terrorism headed by some of our finest officers- ACP Abba Kyari and Kolo Yusuf

“We also solicited the partnership and support of residents of all communities through the introduction of different fora, including the Eminent Persons Forum and Community Policing strategies which has galvanized the communities against these criminal acts.

“We also employ the use of modern sophisticated technologies and training and re-training of our officers to ensure effective policing of over 180 million Nigerians,” he explained.

IGP Idris however, enjoined the residents of Columbian to give the security agencies the much needed support to enable them perform optimally.

Speaking earlier, the Director-General of the National Colombian Police, General Jorge Hernando Nieto Rojas, applauded IGP Idris for attending the seminar to share his experience in the fight against terrorism, kidnapping and extortion.

He disclosed that kidnapping, at a point became so rampant in Colombia  to the extent that people were travelling with many dresses and their drugs so that when they are kidnapped, they can have cloth and medication to take while in the custody of their abductors. He noted that with collective efforts, they have overcome the challenge.

IGP Ibrahim Kpotun Idris receiving an award from  Director General of Colombian Police, General Jorge Hernando Nieto Rojas 

after making his presentation at the on- going 3 day's International Conference on KIdnapping in Columbia.