Scores Of Bandits Killed, Others Dislodged From Kogi Forests – Police

The police said they have neutralised scores of bandits, dislodged their network and flushed others out of Kogi State forests in their ongoing operations with the military.

The command said it was supported by the Nigeria Police Force Air Wing components.

The state, particularly, the western senatorial district, have come under heavy attacks by bandits, suspected to have been displaced from neighbouring states.

Several persons have been kidnapped, millions of ransom allegedly paid in some instances, while others who are not too lucky died in captivity.

However, the state governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, have consistently restated his commitment to the fight against insecurity in the state, stressing that his administration will never negotiate with any terrorist or criminal elements, ruling out possible payment of ransom.

Meanwhile, in a statement by CSP William Ovye Aya, the police command spokeperson, on Sunday in Lokoja, said the ongoing onslaught against bandit operations in the state by the joint police and military had yielded results.

“Bandits were flushed out, their networks dislodged, and scores were neutralized,” Aya said.

According to him, the operation, which is being carried out with vigor, commitment, and utmost professionalism, and supported by the Nigeria Police Force Air Wing components through precision air strikes, led to these successes.

“The command uses this medium to alert the public to be on the lookout for anyone seen around with bullet wounds, injuries, and suspicious behavior and to report such to the nearest police station.

“The public are urged to support the ongoing operations with credible information about criminal elements seen around the neighborhood.”