Police intensify bush clearance, dislodge criminals from Kogi forests
August 21, 2026 7:06 am
File Copy: Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Naziru Kankarofi
The Kogi State Police Command has said that it has intensified bush clearance operations across identified forest locations linking Kabba/Bunu, Obajana and Lokoja axis in Kogi State.
A statement issued on Thursday by the command’s spokesperson, ASP Salisu Afusat, stated that the operation conducted on August 20, 2026, at about 7 am was carried out in compliance with the directives of the state Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Kankarofi.
According to her, the aim was to maintain pressure on criminal elements hibernating in remote forest locations in continuation of its sustained efforts to deny criminal elements access to hideouts and forest corridors.
“The operation involved officers and men of the police, military, local vigilante groups and other auxiliary forces.
“The team moved through the Daji 2 Forest Zone, a strategic forest corridor linking Kabba/Bunu, Obajana and Lokoja, demonstrating strong coordination and determination among all participating units.” She noted.
She said that during the exercise, an abandoned settlement within the forest, previously suspected to have been used as a hideout and staging point for criminal activities, was identified and cleared to prevent further exploitation of the location.
“The joint team also advanced to Amos Camp, another abandoned hideout located in a difficult terrain characterised by creeks and mountainous areas.
“Despite the challenging environment, the security team successfully navigated the area and carried out a thorough clearance of the camp and surrounding forest paths.
“Signs of recent movement were observed along routes leading towards the Oyo Forest axis of Obajana, indicating that criminal elements had vacated the area ahead of the advancing security presence.
“The operation has significantly strengthened the confidence of farmers and residents within the affected communities, with many already returning to their farmlands and daily activities, encouraged by the visible presence and sustained efforts of the security forces,” the statement added.
Afusat said that the Kabba Area Command and other security formations in the area continue to maintain a calm and stable security atmosphere, while patrols, intelligence gathering and bush clearance operations are being sustained across other identified areas.
The Commissioner of police commended the personnel and members of the collaborating security and community-based forces for their courage, resilience and teamwork, especially in navigating difficult terrain and maintaining operational momentum.
He reassured residents, particularly farmers, that the command remains fully committed to sustaining these efforts, strengthening community confidence, and ensuring a safe environment for legitimate economic activities across the state.
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