The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has strongly condemned the recent wave of violent attacks on vulnerable communities in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, describing the killings and abductions as unacceptable and a serious threat to national security and social stability.
Speaking at a press conference on behalf of the Federal Government, the police chief said the persistent attacks, which have resulted in mass killings and the abduction of innocent civilians, have drawn widespread condemnation both locally and internationally.
According to Egbetokun, the Nigerian government and its people “condemn these attacks in the strongest possible terms,” stressing that violence against defenceless communities cannot be tolerated under any circumstance.
“These violent incidents have, in several instances, resulted in mass killings and the abduction of innocent civilians. This is completely unacceptable, and the Nigeria Police Force condemns these acts without reservation,” the Inspector-General stated.
He noted that the Middle Belt region has in recent months witnessed repeated attacks on rural and agrarian communities, leading to loss of lives, displacement of residents, and growing fear among civilians. The situation, he said, underscores the urgency for decisive action, sustained coordination, and stronger protection for vulnerable populations.
Egbetokun acknowledged the gravity of the security challenges and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s determination to pursue both immediate and long-term strategies aimed at restoring peace and safeguarding affected communities.
In a significant development, the Inspector-General disclosed that Nigeria is strengthening its security collaboration with the United States to confront the challenges of mass killings and abductions. He revealed that the United States has offered to deepen its partnership with Nigeria in addressing insecurity, an offer which the Federal Government has accepted.
“We acknowledge and appreciate the opportunity offered by the United States, our strategic partner, to deepen cooperation with Nigeria in addressing these security challenges,” he said, adding that the partnership is designed to deliver sustainable solutions capable of addressing current threats and preventing future occurrences.
As part of this renewed cooperation, Egbetokun announced the inauguration of the first Joint Working Group between Nigeria and the United States, focused specifically on tackling mass killings and the abduction of innocent civilians.
“What we are convening here today is the first Joint Working Group between the United States and Nigeria, focused specifically on addressing the challenges of mass killings and the abduction of innocent civilians in affected communities,” he said.
The initiative is expected to enhance intelligence sharing, capacity building, operational coordination, and policy alignment between both countries, particularly in areas related to community protection and security response.
The Inspector-General reassured Nigerians that the Nigeria Police Force, working in collaboration with other security agencies, remains committed to protecting vulnerable communities across the country. He stressed that the renewed international cooperation reflects Nigeria’s resolve to confront insecurity decisively and to leverage strategic partnerships in restoring peace.
He concluded by reiterating that attacks on civilians are a crime against the nation and humanity, assuring that perpetrators will be pursued and brought to justice.
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