Inspector General of Police orders additional deployment after Plateau killings

Crime Diary

ABUJA, NIGERIA, April 6, 2026 (NPA) — Following the deadly attack in Ariko Village near Gurara Dam, Plateau State, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, has directed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (Operations), DIG Shehu Umar Nadada, to deploy to Kaduna State to coordinate response efforts.

In a statement issued by DCP Anthony Okon Placid, Force Public Relations Officer, on April 6, 2026, armed bandits stormed ECWA and Catholic Churches in Ariko on April 5, firing indiscriminately. Five people were killed, while about fourteen others were abducted.

The IGP ordered immediate operational intervention, sending DIG Nadada to assess the situation and lead security operations aimed at restoring order and securing the release of victims.

During the mission, the team, working with the Nigerian Army and Department of State Services (DSS), rescued seven kidnapped victims. They were taken to Katari Hospital for medical treatment and are reported to be in stable condition, awaiting reunion with their families.

The Inspector-General affirmed that operations are ongoing to free the remaining abductees and bring the perpetrators to justice. He urged the public to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies, and provide credible information to support ongoing efforts.