Security Forces Search Kogi Forests for Kidnapped Victims

The Kogi State Police and the Nigerian Army are stepping up their search in the forests for victims of a kidnapping along the Okene-Auchi Road. They are using tactical teams and drones in areas known to be hideouts for criminals.

This information came from a statement on Sunday by the police spokesperson, ASP Afusat Salisu.

Salisu said the operation involves both police and military personnel searching forest areas believed to be used by the kidnappers. She said, "Immediately following the incident, the Command activated its rescue response and commenced intelligence-driven bush-combing operations across identified forest corridors within the Okene, Ajokuta axis, particularly around the Ebiya Forest and adjoining areas."

The operation includes members from the Area Command, Okene; 77 Police Mobile Force Squadron, Okene; Okene Division; Adavi Division; Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Kogi State Command; Violent Crime Response Unit; as well as Nigerian Army detachments from nearby Forward Operating Bases.

Support has also come from the Edo State Police Command, which sent its Anti-Kidnapping Unit and other tactical personnel to help in the search.

To block any escape routes for the criminals, the command has increased joint operations along the Kogi, Edo border. Security teams are carrying out coordinated clearance operations and patrols in forests linked to the kidnapping.

Salisu explained that as the search continues, security teams are finding and checking suspected hideouts in the forests. They have recovered items like food, cooking ingredients, an Army-style jungle hat, and a National Identity Card, all believed to belong to the kidnappers.

She added, "The identified hideouts were subsequently destroyed and set ablaze to prevent their further use by the perpetrators."

Though no kidnapped victims were found in the early stages of the operation, security forces are pushing deeper into the forests and surrounding areas to find and rescue the victims and catch those responsible.

The operation continued on Saturday, with teams moving towards key areas of interest along the Ajaokuta and Adoko routes.

Salisu mentioned that technical support, including drone surveillance from the Nigerian Army and Edo State Police, is also being used to gather intelligence during the operation.

Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Naziru Kankarofi, has instructed the teams to keep searching until the victims are safely found and the kidnappers are caught. He assured the public that the command is working with other security agencies and stakeholders to ensure that the criminals are brought to justice.

He said, "The command recognises the anxiety generated by the incident and urges members of the public, particularly residents around the affected areas, to remain calm and vigilant while providing security agencies with timely and credible information that could assist the ongoing operation. The safety and recovery of the victims remain the Command’s immediate priority."