Kogi, Edo Police Rescue 9 Kidnap Victims Along Okene-Auchi Corridor
By Boluwaji Obahopo
Security agencies operating across Kogi and Edo states have intensified joint efforts to tackle kidnapping and other criminal activities along the boundary between the two states.
As part of the renewed security push, the Commissioners of Police in Kogi and Edo, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi and CP Patrick Daaor, led a joint patrol around Aguda Village on the Okene-Auchi Expressway.
The operation was designed to assess security deployments, strengthen cooperation between the two commands and identify potential threats around vulnerable sections of the border corridor.
The patrol also formed part of a seven-day joint clearance operation targeting criminal hideouts and other locations considered vulnerable to attacks.
Nine kidnap victims rescued
The joint security operation has already produced a major breakthrough, with nine kidnap victims rescued after they were abducted along the Mameramo-Adomu Road on August 11.
The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Afusat Salihu, disclosed this in a statement issued in Lokoja.
She said the victims were rescued through an intelligence-driven operation involving multiple security agencies from Kogi and Edo states.
The operation involved personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy Ship Lugard, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, local vigilantes and other auxiliary security groups.
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Following their rescue, the victims were safely evacuated from the area.
Police authorities said they were subsequently debriefed before being reunited with their families.
Police inspect vulnerable areas
During the joint patrol, the two police commissioners inspected the deployment of personnel involved in the ongoing clearance operation.
They also visited areas identified as potential criminal hideouts and security black spots within the forest around the Kogi-Edo boundary.
The inspection was aimed at determining the operational readiness of security personnel and identifying areas requiring additional attention.
According to the police, the exercise would improve intelligence gathering and allow the two commands to respond more effectively to emerging threats.
Border communities raise security concerns
The police commissioners also met with residents of communities located along the border corridor.
During the engagement, residents highlighted security challenges affecting their communities as well as concerns faced by motorists and other travellers using the Okene-Auchi route.
The issues raised by the communities were documented by the security authorities.
Police officials assured residents that measures would continue to be introduced to address the identified threats and improve safety within the area.
Security agencies strengthen intelligence sharing
The Kogi and Edo police commands said the joint operation demonstrates their commitment to sustained cooperation in combating criminal activities.
Authorities noted that criminals could exploit state boundaries to evade security agencies, making intelligence sharing and coordinated operations particularly important.
The commands therefore plan to maintain closer communication and joint responses to security threats along the corridor.
The strategy is also intended to prevent criminal groups from establishing or maintaining safe havens in forests and other difficult-to-access locations around the border.
Focus on the Okene-Auchi corridor
The Okene-Auchi Expressway remains an important transportation route connecting communities and commercial centres in Kogi and Edo states.
Improving security along the route is therefore considered important for residents, commercial operators, travellers and other road users.
Police authorities said the ongoing joint operation would help strengthen security coverage around vulnerable locations and reduce opportunities for criminals to attack travellers.
The rescue of the nine victims represents an early success of the intensified collaboration, while further operations are expected to continue as security agencies work to dismantle criminal networks operating around the Kogi-Edo boundary.
