KOGI STATE POLICE COMMAND
PRESS RELEASE
KOGI AND BENUE POLICE COMMANDS DEEPEN INTER-STATE SECURITY COLLABORATION THROUGH JOINT HANDSHAKE PATROL
As part of sustained efforts to strengthen inter-state security collaboration and enhance operational strategies aimed at combating crime along shared boundaries, the Commissioners of Police of Kogi and Benue State Commands, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, psc, mni, and CP Cletus C.N. Nwadiogbu, psc(+), mnips, PhD, on Thursday, 9th July, 2026, jointly led a strategic Handshake Patrol at Ankpa Town, the border community in Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State, bordering Benue State.
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The exercise attracted a large turnout of distinguished dignitaries and stakeholders from both Kogi and Benue States, including traditional rulers from the border communities, the Benue State Border Commissioner, Surveyor Solomon Adaga, the Senior Special Assistant to the Kogi State Governor on Security, Hon. Ahmed Mohammed, the Senior Special Assistant on Mobilization, representatives of sister security agencies, members of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), representatives of Fulani settlers, youth groups, community leaders, and other relevant stakeholders, all of whom reaffirmed their commitment to promoting peace, security, and harmonious coexistence along the Kogi–Benue border corridor.
Speaking during the stakeholders’ engagement, the Commissioners of Police reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to safeguarding lives and property through proactive, intelligence-led policing and sustained collaboration with security agencies and local communities, stressing that state boundaries must never serve as sanctuaries for criminals; they assured residents that both Commands would continue coordinated patrols, joint operations, and intelligence sharing to secure the border corridor, urged the public to support security agencies with credible information, warned against harbouring criminals, and held a joint operational discussion with stakeholders on prevailing security concerns, existing strategies, and practical measures to improve responses to emerging threats, while stakeholders pledged continued support for peace and crime prevention.
A major highlight of the exercise was the official handshake between the two Commissioners of Police at the boundary separating Kogi and Benue States, symbolizing the unwavering commitment of both Commands to strengthening operational synergy, enhancing intelligence sharing, and presenting a united front against criminal elements operating across state boundaries.
The Commissioners of Police expressed profound appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, for his visionary leadership, strategic guidance, and unwavering support towards strengthening inter-command collaboration across the country. They also commended the Executive Governors of Kogi and Benue States for their continuous support to security agencies in ensuring a peaceful and secure environment conducive to development.
The Kogi State Police Command reiterates its unwavering commitment to sustaining robust collaboration with the Benue State Police Command and all relevant stakeholders in combating all forms of criminality. The Command urges members of the public to remain vigilant, law-abiding, and security conscious while continuing to provide useful information that will aid security agencies in preventing crime and maintaining peace within the border communities.
The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in its constitutional mandate of protecting lives and property and will continue to strengthen partnerships, enhance intelligence-led policing, and deploy proactive security strategies to guarantee lasting peace, security, and public confidence across Kogi State, Benue State, and the nation at large.
ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat
Police Public Relations Officer
Kogi State Command
Friday, 10th July, 2026
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, JULY 10TH 2026)
