The Kogi State Police Command says it has stepped up joint forest clearance operations to flush out criminal elements hiding in remote locations across the state.
The operation, conducted on August 20, 2026, covered forest areas linking Kabba/Bunu, Obajana and Lokoja.
The command’s spokesperson, ASP Salisu Afusat, disclosed this in a statement, saying the exercise was carried out on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Kankarofi.
She said the operation was aimed at denying criminals access to forest hideouts and corridors that could be used to facilitate criminal activities.
According to Afusat, the operation involved personnel of the police, military, local vigilante groups and other auxiliary security forces.
She said the team moved through the Daji 2 Forest Zone, a strategic corridor connecting Kabba/Bunu, Obajana and Lokoja.
«“The operation was aimed at maintaining pressure on criminal elements hibernating in remote forest locations and denying them access to hideouts and forest corridors.”»
Afusat said the joint team discovered and cleared an abandoned settlement believed to have previously served as a hideout and staging area for criminals.
The security personnel also moved into Amos Camp, another abandoned hideout located in a difficult terrain characterised by creeks and mountainous areas.
She added that signs of recent movement were found along routes leading towards the Oyo Forest axis of Obajana, suggesting that suspected criminals had fled the area before the arrival of the security team.
«“Despite the challenging environment, the security team successfully navigated the area and carried out a thorough clearance of the camp and surrounding forest paths.”»
The police spokesperson said the operation had boosted the confidence of farmers and residents in the affected communities, with some returning to their farms and other daily activities.
She said the Kabba Area Command and other security formations would continue patrols, intelligence gathering and forest clearance operations in identified locations.
The Commissioner of Police commended the participating security personnel and community-based forces for their courage and cooperation.
Kankarofi also assured residents, particularly farmers, that the command would sustain its efforts to improve security and create a safer environment for economic activities across the state.
