Security operatives have launched a large-scale bush-combing operation in forests along the Okene–Auchi Road in Kogi State, deploying drones to locate victims of a recent kidnapping and dismantle criminal hideouts.
The state police command, in a statement on Sunday by spokesperson ASP Afusat Saliu, said joint teams of police and military personnel were mobilised to the Ebiya Forest and surrounding corridors within the Okene–Ajaokuta axis immediately after the incident.
The operation involved officers from the Area Command Okene, 77 Police Mobile Force Squadron, Okene and Adavi Divisions, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, and the Violent Crime Response Unit, alongside detachments of the Nigerian Army from Forward Operating Bases and tactical support from the Edo State Police Command.
During the search, operatives recovered foodstuffs, cooking ingredients, an army-pattern jungle hat, and a National Identity Card believed to have been abandoned by the suspects. Several hideouts were subsequently destroyed and set ablaze to prevent further use.
To enhance surveillance, the Nigerian Army and Edo State Police Command deployed drones to support intelligence-gathering efforts. While no victims were rescued in the initial phase, tactical teams continued operations into Saturday, advancing toward areas of interest along the Ajaokuta and Adoko axis. Joint patrols have also been reinforced along the Kogi–Edo border to block escape routes.
Commissioner of Police, Naziru Kankarofi, assured residents that the command is working closely with sister agencies and stakeholders to secure the safe rescue of victims and bring perpetrators to justice. He urged affected communities to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative in providing credible information to security agencies.
In a related development, the command confirmed that calm has been restored to Abugi and adjoining communities in Lokoja following recent reprisal attacks. The Area Command, in conjunction with traditional rulers and community leaders, has initiated reconciliation engagements, while the State Criminal Investigation Department has commenced a full-scale inquiry into the killings.
Personnel remain strategically deployed to prevent further violence. The Commissioner reiterated the command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property and called on the public to report suspicious movements promptly.
