Olu Samuel

The Kogi state police command says it has identified suspected bandit enclaves and supply routes and has deployed tactical team to monitor and district their movements.

This was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Command’s spokesperson, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat and made available to newsmen in Lokoja.

“The Kogi State Police Command, under the leadership of CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, has intensified proactive policing measures across the state in line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, aimed at preventing banditry and other violent crimes.” She wrote.

According to her, “Through intelligence-led policing strategies, the Command has identified suspected bandit enclaves and supply routes, while coordinated deployment of tactical teams has been carried out to monitor and disrupt criminal movements”.

She said that Officers and men have been strategically deployed across all three senatorial districts to ensure continuous visibility policing, with particular focus on identified hotspot areas.

“The Command has also strengthened its intelligence operations through the deployment of intelligence units to generate actionable intelligence in support of proactive interventions. Intelligence-based stop-and-search operations have been intensified, while covert surveillance activities are ongoing across vulnerable locations within the state”. She said.

She said that the Command is working closely with the Department of State Services (DSS), the Military, and other sister security agencies through joint operations and regular inter-agency coordination meetings.
” A joint operations framework has been reinforced to enhance information sharing, communication, and rapid response to security threats”.She noted.

She said that the Command has increased community engagement with critical stakeholders, including traditional rulers, community leaders, and local government authorities, to strengthen cooperation and reinforce the local security architecture adding that Stakeholders are urged to provide timely and credible information to support ongoing security operations.

“All tactical units, including the Police Mobile Force (PMF), Special Protection Unit (SPU), and Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), have been placed on high alert and are conducting 24-hour patrols across farmlands, forests, border areas, worship centres, and other social gathering points”.

She said that Supervising officers have been directed to ensure strict oversight of personnel to guarantee discipline, vigilance, and operational efficiency.

“The Command is also monitoring and assessing all vulnerable points across the state, with hourly situation reports (SITREP) mandated to ensure constant situational awareness and operational readiness. Any lapse in supervision will attract strict disciplinary measures in line with established operational standards”.she noted.

“The Commissioner of Police reassures the good people of Kogi State of the Command’s unwavering commitment to maintaining peace, security, and public safety. Members of the public are enjoined to remain vigilant and to promptly report suspicious activities through the Command’s control room lines: 0703 832 9084 and 0815 219 5982.

The Command reiterates its resolve to sustain proactive, intelligence-driven policing and calls for continued cooperation from all stakeholders in the collective effort to rid the state of criminal elements.” Oyiza added.