Commissioner of Police, Kogi State, Mr Onuoha Bethrand, has said that 17 suspects terrorising the state were arrested in efforts to checkmate hoodlums: “These ‘ember’ months will be too hot for the hoodlums.
“I have charged my officers to go after the criminals in their various communities and their hideout. I charged them to be ready for the security challenges of the state. The command redployed some of police operatives to black spots along Lokoja-Abuja Expressway and Akure-Lokoja Expressway. We are not taking chances.
“I told my officers and to shun corruption and imbibe community policing. This will enable police and public to work together and flush out criminals in our midst.
“The police tactical team arrested 10 suspected armed robbers in Lokoja and Okene and recovered sophticated weapons like AK 47 rifles and 20 rounds of ammunition. Police operatives on surveillance engaged suspected kidnappers in Kabba in a gun duel. This prompted the suspects to abandoned their victims and escaped to the bush with bullet wounds. Police combed the bush and recovered cutlasses in their hideout.
“We are on the same page with the Acting Inspector General Of Police (IGP), Olukayode Egbetokun, on his vision and mission to configure the security architecture to ensure efficiency and affectiveness. Personnel to be professional and respect the fundamental human rights of the citizens.
“Officers should conduct themselves with decorum and be at alert. The command will harness all available assets including working with relevant groups, associations, sectors and other security agencies to boost security in the country.
“Also, I need the support of all the stakeholders and other sister agencies to work together to chase the hoodlums out of the state.”
