The Kogi State Police Command has intensified search and rescue operations following a kidnapping incident along the Okene–Auchi Road, deploying combined police and military teams to forest areas suspected to be hideouts of the perpetrators.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Kogi State Command, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, the operation, which commenced immediately after the incident, involves intelligence-driven bush combing across identified forest corridors within the Okene–Ajokuta axis, particularly the Ebiya Forest and adjoining areas.

“Personnel from the Area Command, Okene; 77 Police Mobile Force Squadron, Okene; Okene and Adavi Divisions; the Anti-Kidnapping Unit; Violent Crime Response Unit; and detachments of the Nigerian Army from Forward Operating Bases in the area are participating in the operation.

“The Edo State Police Command has also joined the operation, deploying its Anti-Kidnapping Unit and other tactical personnel to support efforts to rescue the victims and apprehend the perpetrators.

“As part of efforts to prevent the criminals from escaping through the Kogi–Edo border, security agencies have intensified coordinated patrols, clearance operations and intelligence gathering across identified forest locations linked to the incident.

“During the operation, security teams discovered and searched suspected criminal camps within the forest. Recovered items included foodstuffs and cooking ingredients, an Army-pattern jungle hat and a National Identity Card, among other articles believed to have been abandoned by the suspects.

“The security teams subsequently destroyed and set fire to the identified hideouts to prevent the criminals from returning to use them.

“Although no kidnapped victim was found during the initial search of the locations, the security forces have continued advancing into the forest and adjoining areas in their determination to rescue the victims and arrest those responsible.

“The operation continued on Saturday, August 8, 2026, with tactical teams advancing towards identified locations of interest around the Ajaokuta and Adoko axes.

“The operation is also being supported by technical surveillance, including the deployment of drones by the Nigerian Army and the Edo State Police Command to strengthen aerial monitoring and intelligence gathering.

The Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, psc, mni, has directed the various operational teams to sustain the search and rescue efforts until the victims are safely recovered and the perpetrators brought to justice.

He assured members of the public that the Command was working closely with sister security agencies and relevant stakeholders to ensure that those behind the incident would not escape the law.

The Police Command acknowledged the anxiety caused by the incident and appealed to residents, particularly those living around the affected communities, to remain calm and vigilant.

It urged members of the public to provide security agencies with timely and credible information that could assist the ongoing operation, stressing that the safe recovery of the victims remains its immediate priority. (Nigerian Tribune)

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