The Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Training and Development and Coordinating DIG, North-Central Geo-Political Zone, Isyaku Mohammed, has moved to calm fresh fears in Niger State following reports that suspected Lakurawa terrorists blocked the New Bussa road in Borgu Local Government Area and issued warnings of planned attacks on Friday.
The development comes barely two weeks after rumours of bandit attacks on schools triggered panic and disrupted learning in parts of the state, renewing concerns among parents and residents.
Speaking during a two-day working visit to the Niger State Police Command headquarters in Minna, DIG Mohammed assured residents that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, was on top of the situation and had directed immediate interventions.
He expressed confidence that attacks on schools and communities would soon become a thing of the past.
“Precisely, that’s why I am here, to look at the peculiar challenges confronting Niger State. The IGP is passionate about the situation. I have told the Commissioner of Police to draw up an intervention plan and the IGP will surely intervene,” he said.
The DIG also sought to calm fears over rumours of attacks on schools, saying the Force has already activated mechanisms aimed at protecting educational institutions and ensuring children continue their studies without intimidation.
“I want to assure parents and children that the IGP is on top of the situation. We have a School Protection Unit headed by a Chief Superintendent of Police, and we are providing all the necessary support.
“We have also outlined protocols for school owners to follow so that we can mitigate this madness of attacks on schools. Very soon, these attacks will be a thing of the past,” he maintained.
Mohammed disclosed that the Inspector-General of Police had deployed all Deputy Inspectors-General to their respective geo-political zones to assess peculiar security challenges and appreciate officers and men for their sacrifices and commitment in the fight against crime.
He called on stakeholders, community leaders, and residents to support security agencies with credible information and collective efforts to tackle criminality.
“The fight against crime is a collective responsibility. We need the support of all stakeholders and members of the public. Together, we will overcome these challenges,” the DIG said.
Earlier, the Commissioner of Police, Abdullahi Elleman, told the DIG that Niger State’s vast landmass, difficult terrain, and extensive forests had continued to pose serious operational challenges, especially in Zone C, comprising Agwara, Borgu, Kontagora, Magama, Mariga, Mashegu, Rijau, and Wushishi local government areas.
According to the CP, sustained operations against bandits had forced criminal elements into desperate retaliatory attacks on security formations and vulnerable communities.
He recalled that bandits attacked St. Mary’s School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area on November 21, 2025, before attacking the Agwara Divisional Police Headquarters and a church in February this year.
The CP added that the command lost two officers during an attack on a Police Mobile Force camp in Agwara.
Despite the challenges, Elleman said the command had recorded successes through intelligence-led operations, including the arrest of bandits and their collaborators, disruption of kidnapping syndicates, dismantling of armed robbery networks, recovery of illegal firearms, and reduction of thuggery and youth restiveness.
He, however, appealed for additional personnel, armoured personnel carriers, operational vehicles, surveillance drones, night-vision equipment, and other tactical assets to strengthen security operations across the state.
The CP also assured the DIG that the command enjoyed robust collaboration with sister security agencies and local vigilante groups, noting that the synergy had continued to frustrate the activities of criminal elements across the state.
