Security forces in Kogi State have launched a massive rescue operation to locate 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.
Speaking on Friday, CP Dantawaye assured that the police are doing everything possible to track down the criminals and recover the 18-seater bus alongside the abducted passengers.
Police Deploy Reinforcements for Search Operation
Leading a team of armed policemen to the attack site, the police chiefs vowed to intensify security efforts to make Kogi State unsafe for criminals.
In a statement issued by Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, SP William Ovye, in Lokoja, Dantawaye explained the police’s approach:
“The visit to the crime scenes was to assess the situation and deploy additional security assets for a bush-combing operation, ensuring no safe haven for the kidnappers.”
AIG Zubairu also held meetings with Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and other security stakeholders, focusing on proactive crime prevention strategies. He called on residents to remain calm, assuring them that security agencies are working tirelessly to rescue the victims and dismantle criminal hideouts.
Strengthening Security Collaboration with Local Groups
The Kogi State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to working alongside other security agencies to sustain ongoing crackdowns on criminals.
To bolster efforts, police leadership engaged with community security groups, including: Hunters Association, Vigilante Groups, Oduduwa People’s Congress (OPC), Agbekoya Group, National Hunters, Special Hunters, Fulani Hunters.
Dantawaye commended the vital role these groups play in crime prevention and response, emphasizing the need for intelligence sharing between law enforcement and local communities.
Authorities Call for Public Cooperation
Acknowledging manpower challenges, security officials assured that training and collaborative measures would be strengthened to enhance security operations.
The Kogi State Police Command stressed that public cooperation is crucial, urging residents to: Remain vigilant, Report suspicious activities, avoid direct confrontations with well-armed criminals
Local community leaders pledged their continued support to complement security efforts, emphasizing the need for intelligence-driven strategies to dismantle criminal networks.
The search and rescue operation remains ongoing, with authorities urging citizens to stay alert and support law enforcement in their fight against insecurity.
