We are combing Kogi bush for kidnapped travellers — AIG

Security forces in Kogi State have launched an extensive search operation to rescue passengers abducted along the Obajana-Kabba highway, the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) for Zone 8, Abubakar Zubairu, and the Kogi State Commissioner of Police (CP), Miller Dantawaye, have confirmed.

Dantawaye stressed the police are doing everything possible to locate the 18-seater bus kidnapped alongside the passengers.

The police bosses, who led armed policemen to the scenes of the attack on Friday, vowed to make the state too hot for criminals.

In a statement by the Public Relations Officer, SP William Ovye, in Lokoja on Friday, Dantawaye said, “The visit to the scenes was to assess the situation and order the deployment of additional operational assets to carry out a bush combing operation to deny criminal elements a safe haven.

“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.

“CP Dantawaye reiterated the Command’s unwavering commitment to working in synergy with other security agencies to sustain the ongoing onslaught against criminality in the state. 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 travellers and residents.

“The engagement with local security groups aimed to further strengthen community collaboration in combating crime. The meeting brought together representatives from the Hunters Association, Vigilante Groups, Oduduwa People’s Congress (OPC), Agbekoya Group, National Hunters, Special Hunters, and Fulani Hunters.

“He commended the vital role of community-led security efforts in preventing and responding to criminal activities. He further stressed the importance of intelligence sharing, noting that 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. Community leaders pledged their continued support to complement security efforts while urging residents to stay vigilant, report suspicious activities, and avoid direct confrontations with well-armed criminals.

They emphasized the need for intelligence-driven security strategies to dismantle criminal networks effectively.”