Nasarawa: Police launch operation to flush out bandits, kidnappers from forests

The Nasarawa State Police Command has launched a special security operation to dislodge bandits, kidnappers, armed robbers and other criminal elements from their hideouts in forests across the state.

The Commissioner of Police, Shetima Mohammed, announced the operation on Tuesday in Lafia while addressing personnel ahead of the exercise at Alagye Forest in Doma Local Government Area.

Mohammed said the operation was being carried out in line with the directive of the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to strengthen security and restore peace across the state.

He disclosed that tactical teams, anti-kidnapping operatives and intelligence personnel had been deployed to identified security flashpoints and forested areas.

According to him, the operation would run until the end of December, with personnel directed to maintain professionalism and comply strictly with established rules of engagement.

The police commissioner explained that the state had been divided into three operational sectors to ensure effective coverage and coordination.

Sector A, covering the Lafia zone, is led by ACP Lamidu Alkali, Squadron Commander of Mopol 58, Lafia. Sector B, covering the Akwanga zone, is headed by ACP Kadir Umar, Squadron Commander of Mopol 38, Akwanga, while Sector C, covering the Keffi zone, is led by ACP Olobekga Saligo, Squadron Commander of Mopol 69, Toto.

He added that the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Sanusi Jidda, would coordinate activities across the three sectors to ensure the effective dismantling of criminal camps.

Mohammed called on residents to provide timely and credible information about suspicious activities, assuring them that all information supplied would be treated confidentially.

He also urged members of the public to remain law-abiding and continue their normal activities, reaffirming the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property.

Meanwhile, Jidda, who led the team to Alagye Forest, said intelligence reports indicated that bandits and kidnappers were using the forest as a hideout.

He said the police would extend the raids to other forested areas across the state, with the aim of dismantling criminal camps and arresting suspects for prosecution.

“We will not spare any criminal or their hideout. We have commenced aggressive raids on all known and suspected criminal camps,” Jidda said.

He added that personnel were already operating in the forests and would extend the exercise to forested areas in Akwanga and Toto local government areas.

According to him, more than six units of well equipped personnel had been mobilised for the operation and were prepared to confront criminal elements operating in the forests.

Jidda expressed optimism that sustained security operations would improve safety and restore public confidence across Nasarawa State.