The Kogi State Police Command has intensified efforts to combat banditry, saying it has identified suspected criminal enclaves and supply routes, with tactical teams now deployed to monitor and disrupt their movements.
The statement, issued on Wednesday by the command’s spokesperson, ASP Saliu Afusat, and made available to journalists in Lokoja, highlighted a range of proactive measures being taken across the state.
“The Kogi State Police Command, under the leadership of CP Naziru Kankarofi, has intensified proactive policing measures across the state in line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, aimed at preventing banditry and other violent crimes,” Afusat said.
She added that intelligence-led policing strategies have enabled the command to pinpoint suspected bandit enclaves and supply routes, while coordinated deployment of tactical teams has been undertaken to monitor and disrupt criminal activities.
Officers and men have been strategically stationed across all three senatorial districts, focusing on identified hotspot areas to maintain continuous visibility policing.
“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.
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Afusat emphasized that the command is working closely with the Department of State Services, the military, and other 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.
Community engagement has also been stepped up, with traditional rulers, community leaders, and local government authorities mobilized to provide timely and credible information supporting 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,” Afusat added.
Supervising officers have been directed to ensure strict oversight of personnel, guaranteeing 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 said.
The police command reiterated its commitment to intelligence-driven, proactive policing and urged all stakeholders to continue supporting efforts to rid the state of criminal elements.