Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia has endorsed the newly launched Operation Handshake Patrol, describing it as a strategic security initiative to strengthen surveillance in border communities and dismantle criminal hideouts across Benue and Kogi states.
The Governor commended the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for initiating the operation, expressing confidence that it would enhance security checks at the borders and deny criminal elements safe havens.
Governor Alia noted that the task force, designed to operate without jurisdictional limitations, would enable security operatives to comb forests and other difficult terrains along the Benue-Kogi border in search of criminal hideouts.
READ ALSO: Benue State Government Assures Farmers of Adequate Security
He stressed that the success of the initiative would depend on the commitment and professionalism of personnel involved, adding that criminals should no longer be able to commit crimes in one state and evade arrest by fleeing to neighbouring states.
The Governor also pledged continued support for security agencies in Benue State to safeguard lives and property.
His endorsement followed a joint security meeting held at the Ankpa Local Government Conference Hall in Kogi State, where the Commissioners of Police for Benue and Kogi states announced the establishment of the joint task force.
According to the police authorities, the initiative is aimed at protecting residents of border communities in both states and improving coordinated responses to cross-border crimes.
Benue State Commissioner of Police, Mr Cletus Nwudiogbu, and his Kogi State counterpart, Mr Naziru Bello Kankarofi, said the formation of the task force was in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police to ensure that border communities no longer serve as safe corridors for criminal activities.
They explained that the operation was specifically designed to remove jurisdictional barriers that often hinder the prompt pursuit of criminal suspects across state boundaries.
Nwudiogbu said the two police commands had intensified operations in forests and other flashpoints along the Benue-Kogi axis, warning that there would be no hiding place for bandits, terrorists and other criminal elements operating within the region.
He also said that mechanisms had also been established for residents to report security concerns through appropriate channels rather than resorting to self-help, assuring communities of the police’s commitment to restoring peace and security.
Kankarofi described the initiative as a practical demonstration of the commitment of both police commands to strengthen inter-state security collaboration and ensure safer communities.
He appealed to the governments of Benue and Kogi states to provide the logistics required for effective patrol operations and urged officers involved in the initiative to remain professional in carrying out their duties.
The commissioner further encouraged security personnel to work closely with local communities and utilise community intelligence to improve operational effectiveness.
Kankarofi expressed optimism that residents would soon witness tangible results from the collaboration and commended Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State for their commitment to protecting lives and property.
Also speaking, the Commander of the 21 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Ankpa, Lieutenant Colonel J.S. Monde, assured that the military would continue to support the police and other security agencies in efforts to maintain peace in border communities.
He therefore, called on members of the public to provide timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing operations against criminal elements.
