The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, assured residents on Tuesday that every Nigerian in captivity across the country will be safely rescued.
Egbetokun made the comment at Force Headquarters while reflecting on and evaluating the recent operations that successfully rescued 20 medical students and seven others. Muyiwa Adejobi, the Force Spokesperson, issued a statement on Tuesday.
The medical students were kidnapped on August 15, prompting widespread calls from Nigerians and various organisations for their safe release.
The students and seven others were rescued in an operation on Sunday.
During the operation, one kidnapping kingpin was slain, and two kidnappers were apprehended.
On Sunday, the rescued students were handed up to their respective vice chancellors.
According to Adejobi, the IG is committed to going above and beyond to liberate all people taken captive across the country.
He further stated that Egbetokun is dedicated to ensuring that police officers under his charge remain professional and approachable.
Adejobi added, “The Inspector General of Police reaffirms the Police Force’s dedication, under his leadership, to establishing a force that is professionally competent, rule-of-law compliant, service-driven, and people-friendly. The IGP assures the public of the safe rescue of all Nigerians in captivity across the country. This is our pledge, and we will ensure its fulfilment.”
Adejobi added that the IG thanked the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, as well as other security agencies and local residents, for their assistance in rescuing the medical students.
He said, “The Inspector General of Police also emphatically appreciates the personal role and steadfastness of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, for his unwavering support to the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies in the rescue of our beloved children and citizens of Nigeria.
“The IGP acknowledges the NSA’s dedication to assisting security forces in fulfilling their constitutional responsibilities of safeguarding the lives and property of Nigerian citizens, as well as upholding law and order throughout the nation.
“In the same vein, the Inspector General of Police extends sincere gratitude to the officers affiliated with the office of the National Security Adviser, the military, other security personnel, and the local community members who actively participated in the rescue operation, along with numerous similar efforts throughout the nation. Their contributions are praiseworthy and play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of Nigeria and its citizens.”
Adejobi further stated that, in pursuit of an inclusive police policy, Egbetokun invited residents to actively participate in national security and development activities.
“This call aims to foster a shift towards modern policing and to promote socioeconomic and political advancement in Nigeria. The IGP further advocates for citizen volunteerism and a proactive approach to social and security restructuring in the country.
“Additionally, he emphasises the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders, including the police, other security agencies, and government entities at all levels, to realise the vision of a new Nigeria characterised by enhanced national security and good governance for all,” he added.
![Rev. Fr. Anthony Odiong, a US-based Nigerian Louisiana Catholic priest, was arrested in Florida on Tuesday for possessing child pornography, according to law authorities. The suspect is reportedly accused of many other cases of sexual assault. The Waco, Texas, Police Department announced in a Facebook post on Tuesday that officers detained Father Anthony Odiong in Ave Maria, Florida, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service. Waco police announced in March that they had received "credible information" about a sexual assault allegedly committed by Odiong in Texas in 2012. “During the subsequent investigation, a case of possession of child pornography was uncovered,” the police said. The priest was apprehended in Florida by the Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force. The Waco Police Department said that he will be extradited to Texas. Odiong had previously served in the Archdiocese of New Orleans before being removed as priest in December of last year due to controversy over homilies in which he claimed, among other things, that the Catholic Church was being taken over by "the gays." At the time, the priest was also accused of abusive behaviour; a Louisiana lady claimed in U.S. bankruptcy court that Odiong had committed both financial and sexual abuse against her. Prior to joining the New Orleans Archdiocese, Odiong served in at least two Texas parishes. On Tuesday, Waco police stated that during their sexual assault investigation, "the presence of other survivors was revealed." “Multiple women have come forward to tell similar experiences as the sexual assault survivor who reported the initial allegation,” the police department said. “Survivors’ experiences ranged from sexual assault and indecent assault, more commonly recognised as groping, and financial abuse, with some survivors experiencing every element of Anthony Odiong’s manipulation.” The police said they “believe there may be more survivors, and we wish to speak with anyone who [has] had similar encounters” with the priest. The Archdiocese of New Orleans issued a brief news release on Tuesday noting Odiong's arrest in Florida. The archdiocese “encourages anyone with any information to contact law enforcement,” the release said.](https://chronicle.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ezgif-6-4730550ede-450x300.jpg "Odiong: US-based Nigerian Catholic priest convicted over sexual assault")
