The Kogi State Police Command and the Nigerian Army have launched a large-scale joint operation across forest corridors in the Okene-Auchi axis. Deploying tactical teams, drones, and cross-state security personnel in an ongoing search for victims of a kidnapping along the Okene-Auchi Road.
Police spokesperson ASP Afusat Salisu confirmed the operation in a statement on Sunday. She said security forces had commenced intelligence-driven bush-combing operations across identified forest areas. With particular focus on the Ebiya Forest and surrounding terrain within the Okene-Ajaokuta axis.
The operation involves a significant deployment of security assets. Units taking part include personnel from the Area Command in Okene, the 77 Police Mobile Force Squadron, the Okene and Adavi divisions, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, and the Violent Crime Response Unit. Nigerian Army detachments operating from Forward Operating Bases in the area are also involved.
Border Support
The Edo State Police Command, including its own Anti-Kidnapping Unit, has provided additional operational support. With joint patrols extended across the Kogi-Edo border to deny the kidnappers any escape route.
During the initial phase of the operation, security teams located and searched suspected criminal hideouts within the forest. Items recovered included foodstuffs, cooking ingredients, an army-pattern jungle hat, and a National Identity Card. All were believed to have been left behind by the perpetrators. However, all identified hideouts were subsequently destroyed and set ablaze to prevent further use.
No kidnapped victims have been recovered so far. The operation continued on Saturday, with tactical teams advancing toward identified locations of interest. Drone surveillance is being used to enhance intelligence gathering and track movements across the forest terrain.
Kogi State Commissioner of Police Naziru Kankarofi directed operational teams to sustain the effort until victims are safely recovered and those responsible are apprehended. He urged residents in the affected areas to remain calm and share any credible information that could assist the search.
