Kogi Police Identify Bandit Enclaves, Deploy Tactical Teams to Disrupt Criminal Movements

The Kogi State Police Command says it has identified suspected bandit hideouts and supply routes across the state and has deployed tactical teams to monitor and disrupt criminal activities.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the command’s spokesperson, ASP Saliu Afusat, said the development follows intensified proactive policing measures ordered by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu.

According to the statement, the command, under the leadership of CP Naziru Kankarofi, has adopted intelligence-led strategies to locate the enclaves. Coordinated deployments of tactical units have been carried out to track and block the movement of bandits.

Officers and men have been strategically positioned across the three senatorial districts to maintain visible policing, with special attention to identified hot spots. Intelligence units have also been deployed to generate actionable information for proactive interventions.

The command has intensified intelligence-based stop-and-search operations while covert surveillance continues at vulnerable locations across the state.

In addition, the police are working closely with the Department of State Services, the military, and other security agencies through joint operations and regular coordination meetings. A joint operations framework has been reinforced to improve information sharing, communication, and rapid response to threats.

The command has also stepped up engagement with traditional rulers, community leaders, and local government authorities to strengthen cooperation and the local security architecture. Stakeholders are urged to provide timely and credible information to support ongoing operations.

All tactical units, including the Police Mobile Force (PMF), Special Protection Unit (SPU), and Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), remain on high alert and are conducting 24-hour patrols across farmlands, forests, border areas, worship centres, and other public gathering points.

Supervising officers have been directed to ensure strict oversight of personnel to guarantee discipline and operational efficiency. Hourly situation reports are now mandatory to maintain constant awareness and readiness. Any lapse in supervision will attract disciplinary action.

The command reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven policing and called for continued cooperation from all stakeholders in the collective effort to rid the state of criminal elements.