Ekhomu calls for special task force to rescue abducted Dapchi girls

Renowned security expert, Ona Ekhomu has advised the Federal Government to set up a special task force to investigate and rescue the 110 schoolgirls kidnapped from Dapchi, Yobe State on February 19 by Boko Haram terrorists.

The matrix organization, which should report to the National Security Adviser (NSA), should include credentialed and accomplished investigative personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, the Military Provost, Department of State Services, the National Intelligence Agency, the Federal Ministry of Justice, the Civilian JTF and academia.

Ekhomu who is President of the Association of Industrial Security and Safety Operators of Nigeria (AISSON) advocated the appointment of an intelligent tough-minded investigator to head the special task force. “This leader must be reputed as brilliant, innovative and upright,” he said.

Troubled by the similarities between the Dapchi abduction and the yet unresolved Chibok kidnap saga, Ekhomu warned that if not properly handled as a “hot pursuit” investigative case, the nation might face huge reputational harm from the incident, warning against turning the incident into a “political theatre” where every politician becomes an investigator in order to gain relevance.

He called for the immediate announcement of a reward of N50 million for information leading to the rescue of the girls. He said that money would induce people who have information to talk.

He also called for the establishment of a tips hotline to receive information on the incident, stating that a confidential informant numbering system should be used in order to correctly identify and reward the informant who produces the clue leading to the rescue of the girls.