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The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has assured the Government and people of Taraba State of the Nigeria Police Force’s renewed commitment to restoring peace and stability in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area following its declaration as a Local Government of Security Concern.
The IGP gave the assurance on Tuesday at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, while receiving the Governor of Taraba State, Colonel Agbu Kefas (Rtd), alongside Senators and members of the House of Representatives representing the state.
Commending the governor’s decision to formally declare Karim-Lamido a security concern, Egbetokun described the move as a demonstration of proactive leadership and a clear acknowledgement of the security threats posed by banditry and other criminal activities.
“This decision reflects proactive leadership and a clear recognition of the security challenges that banditry and related criminal activities pose, not only to Taraba State but to the nation at large,” the IGP said.
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He assured that the Nigeria Police Force shares the governor’s concern and is treating the situation in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area with the utmost seriousness, reiterating that the protection of lives and property remains a core responsibility of the Force.
In response to the escalating violence in the area, Egbetokun disclosed that the Police have renewed their operational strategies, including reinforcing deployments to Taraba State. According to him, additional tactical and intelligence assets have recently been deployed, while intelligence-led policing has been significantly enhanced across the state.
“We have also strengthened our collaboration with sister security agencies and key stakeholders. Sustained success cannot rely solely on police or military operations,” he noted.
The IGP emphasized that lasting peace would depend on strong collaboration between federal security agencies and the Taraba State Government, with the active involvement of traditional rulers, community leaders, political and religious leaders, as well as members of affected communities.
He stressed the importance of identifying and engaging key actors in the conflict, adding that a combination of kinetic and non-kinetic approaches would be required to comprehensively address the security challenges.
Egbetokun commended the governor’s openness and direct engagement on security matters and reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to work closely with the Taraba State Government to ensure peace returns to affected areas.
“I want to assure you that the Nigeria Police Force will continue to support your efforts in securing Taraba State and ensuring that peace and stability are restored,” he said.
Earlier in his remark, Governor of Taraba State, Col. Agbu Kefas (Rtd), described effective policing as the backbone of daily security and public confidence, stressing that the police remain indispensable to the safety and stability of any society.
The governor said governments at both national and subnational levels must continue to rely on the Nigeria Police Force to provide the professional policing required to secure lives and property.
Kefas acknowledged that Taraba State faces a range of security challenges, including community-level crimes, kidnapping, and robbery along key corridors, noting that while crime cannot be completely eradicated, the state government is actively confronting the challenges.
He said his administration is working closely with security operatives on the ground and commended the IGP for promptly deploying additional personnel to Karim-Lamido Local Government Area following its declaration as a security concern.
The governor appealed for sustained operational and tactical support to enhance policing capacity in the state and urged the police leadership to continue with ongoing reforms and professionalism.
He reaffirmed Taraba State’s commitment to supporting the Nigeria Police Force in the discharge of its duties, describing the visit as an opportunity to strengthen collaboration, deepen mutual understanding, and ensure that all stakeholders work together to maintain peace and security in the state.
The meeting was attended by all Senators and members of the House of Representatives representing Taraba State, underscoring a united front by political and security stakeholders to address the security situation in the state.
