The Kogi and Benue State Police Commands have intensified efforts to tackle cross-border crime through a joint security patrol and renewed commitment to intelligence sharing aimed at securing communities along their common boundary.
The strategic “Handshake Patrol,” led by the Commissioners of Police of Kogi and Benue States, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi and CP Cletus C.N. Nwadiogbu, respectively, was conducted in Ankpa, a border town in Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The exercise brought together traditional rulers, government officials, security agencies, community leaders, youth groups, Fulani settlers, members of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), and other stakeholders from both states to reinforce collaboration against criminal activities along the Kogi-Benue border.
Among those in attendance were the Benue State Border Commissioner, Surveyor Solomon Adaga, the Senior Special Assistant to the Kogi State Governor on Security, Hon. Ahmed Mohammed, and the Senior Special Assistant on Mobilization, alongside representatives of other security agencies.
Addressing stakeholders during the engagement, the two Commissioners of Police reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to protecting lives and property through intelligence-driven policing and stronger cooperation among security agencies and local communities.
They stressed that criminals would no longer be allowed to exploit state boundaries as safe havens, assuring residents that both Commands would sustain coordinated patrols, joint operations, and intelligence sharing to curb criminal activities across the border.
The police chiefs also appealed to residents to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information, while warning individuals against harbouring criminal elements.
They further held operational discussions with stakeholders on prevailing security challenges, reviewed existing security strategies, and explored practical measures for improving responses to emerging threats in the border communities.
In response, stakeholders pledged their continued support for security agencies and reaffirmed their commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence and preventing crime within the affected communities.
A major highlight of the exercise was the symbolic handshake between the two Commissioners of Police at the Kogi-Benue boundary, signifying the commitment of both Commands to stronger operational synergy, enhanced intelligence sharing, and a united front against cross-border criminality.
The Commissioners expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for his leadership and support in promoting inter-command collaboration nationwide.
They also commended the governors of Kogi and Benue States for providing continuous support to security agencies in their efforts to maintain peace and security.
The Kogi State Police Command reiterated its resolve to sustain collaboration with the Benue State Police Command and other stakeholders to combat all forms of criminality while urging residents to remain vigilant, law-abiding, and security conscious.
The Command maintained that the Nigeria Police Force would continue to strengthen partnerships, enhance intelligence-led policing, and deploy proactive security strategies to guarantee lasting peace and public confidence across both states.
