Kogi State Police Command says it deployed a tactical team to rescue kidnapped passengers of an 18-Seater bus along Obajana-Kabba highway.
The Command also said that it deployed additional operational assets to carry out bush combing operations to deny criminal elements safe haven along the route and assured on efforts to rescue victims of kidnapping in the state.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP. William Ovye Aya who disclosed this in a statement said the directive was given when the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 8, Command Lokoja, AIG Abubakar Zubairu and the Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command CP Miller G. Dantawaye, visited the scene of the attack.
According to the statement, the AIG further engaged with the Divisional Police Officers and other key stakeholders to adopt strategies for proactive crime prevention and control management.
He urged residents to remain calm, assuring them that the Command is working with critical stakeholders in security management.
Also in his remark, CP Dantawaye reiterated the Command unwavering commitment in working synergy with other security agencies to sustain the ongoing onslaught against criminality in the state, the statement stressed.
He further stated that, the Divisional Police Officers have been directed to carry out a comprehensive crime prevention patrol as well as intelligence-driven operations, to safeguard travelers and residents along highways in the State.
The CP commended the vital role of community-led security efforts in preventing and responding to criminal activities and further stressed the importance of intelligence sharing, noting that the law enforcement agencies require public cooperation to effectively combat crime.
While acknowledging manpower challenges, authorities assured that training and collaboration efforts would be intensified to enhance security operations.
The CP disclosed that public support is essential in providing intelligence and other forms of assistance while Community leaders pledged their continued support to compliment security efforts.
While urging residents to stay vigilant, report suspicious activities, and avoid direct confrontations with well-armed criminals, the Police officers emphasized the need for intelligence-driven security strategies to dismantle criminal networks effectively.
The meeting concluded with assurances of strengthened security strategies, encouraging citizens to maintain open communication with law enforcement and prioritize collective safety.
The engagement with local security groups aimed to further strengthen community collaboration in combating crime.
The meeting brought together representatives from Hunters Association, Vigilante Groups, Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Agbekoya Group, National Hunters, Special Hunters, Fulani Hunters.