Criminals Have No Hiding Place In Kogi, Kwara, New AIG Warns

The newly deployed Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 8, Lokoja, AIG Betty Isokpan Otimenyin, has vowed to intensify the fight against crime in Kogi and Kwara states, declaring that criminals will face the full weight of the law.

AIG Otimenyin, the first female officer to head the Zone 8 Command, made the pledge on Thursday shortly after assuming office as the 34th AIG overseeing the Kogi and Kwara Police Commands.

She expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Olatunji Egbetokun, for the confidence reposed in her and pledged to build on the achievements of her predecessor and the Commissioners of Police in the two states.

“My office will work assiduously with all stakeholders. We shall treat everyone fairly and ensure that the zone is free of kidnapping, banditry, cultism and other criminal activities. Criminals will face the full wrath of the law,” she said.

The AIG stressed that security is a collective responsibility, assuring that she would strengthen collaboration with traditional rulers, community leaders, relevant stakeholders and other security agencies to sustain peace across the zone.

According to her, the existing security framework in the zone remains effective, noting that her leadership would focus on improving and consolidating ongoing efforts.

“The security architecture is already in place. My coming is to add value and build on what is already working,” she added.

On the recent attacks on schools in parts of Kogi State, Otimenyin directed Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) to step up surveillance and regular patrols around schools within their jurisdictions to prevent any security breach.

“We will not allow our schools to become targets. DPOs must remain visible, vigilant and responsive to every threat around educational institutions,” she warned.

Otimenyin, an indigene of Edo State, becomes the first female AIG to head Zone 8, covering Kogi and Kwara states, a development widely seen as a milestone for gender inclusion in the Nigeria Police Force.

She was received at the Zone 8 Headquarters in Lokoja by the Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi alongside other senior police officers.