Police, Army Search Kogi Forests After Okene-Auchi Kidnapping

Police and army teams are searching forest areas in Kogi State after a kidnapping incident on the Okene-Auchi Road.

The Kogi State Police Command said the response began immediately after the incident, with security teams moving into suspected hideouts around the Okene-Ajaokuta axis.

Punch reported that the operation involved officers from the Area Command in Okene, the 77 Police Mobile Force Squadron, Okene and Adavi divisions, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Violent Crime Response Unit and army detachments operating from nearby forward bases.

Vanguard reported that the Edo State Police Command also sent tactical personnel to support the operation along the Kogi-Edo border. It said drones were deployed to improve surveillance as teams searched forest corridors, including the Ebiya Forest and adjoining areas.

The police said the operation was being supported by intelligence-led patrols across border communities to stop the abductors from escaping into neighbouring areas. Security teams also searched suspected hideouts and recovered foodstuffs and cooking ingredients believed to have been left behind.

The command said the priority was to rescue the victims and arrest those behind the abduction. It urged residents around the affected communities to share useful information with security agencies.

Sources: Punch, Vanguard