Joint Police, Military Operations Destroy Criminal Hideouts in Kogi Forest

Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja


As part of efforts to deny criminal elements access to hideouts and forest corridors, Kogi Police Command in collaboration with military and local vigilance groups have destroyed and cleared several suspected criminals hideouts across identified forest locations linking Kabba/Bunu, Obajana and Lokoja axis.

This was contained in a press statement signed by the Command’s Police Public Relation Officer, ASP Afusat Saliu, made available to journalists in Lokoja yesterday.


The statement reads, “The operation conducted on 20th August 2026 at about 0700hrs, was carried out in compliance with the directives of the Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, CP Naziru  Kankarofi, to intensify bush clearance operations and maintain pressure on criminal elements hibernating in remote forest locations.

“The operation involved officers and men of the police, military, local vigilante groups and other auxiliary forces. The team moved through the Daji 2 Forest Zone, a strategic forest corridor linking Kabba/Bunu, Obajana and Lokoja, demonstrating strong coordination and determination among all participating units.

“During the exercise, an abandoned settlement within the forest, previously suspected to have been used as a hideout and staging point for criminal activities, was identified and cleared to prevent further exploitation of the location.

“The joint team also advanced to Amos Camp, another abandoned hideout located in a difficult terrain characterised by creeks and mountainous areas. Despite the challenging environment, the security team successfully navigated the area and carried out a thorough clearance of the camp and surrounding forest paths.

“Signs of recent movement were observed along routes leading towards the Oyo Forest axis of Obajana, indicating that criminal elements had vacated the area ahead of the advancing security presence.

“The operation has significantly strengthened the confidence of farmers and residents within the affected communities, with many already returning to their farmlands and daily activities, encouraged by the visible presence and sustained efforts of the security forces.

“The Kabba Area Command and other security formations in the area continue to maintain a calm and stable security atmosphere, while patrols, intelligence gathering and bush clearance operations are being sustained across other identified areas. It is important to note that similar coordinated and sustained operations are ongoing across various parts of the State as part of a broader, continuous security strategy aimed at flushing out criminal elements from all known hideouts.”

Kankarofi commended the personnel and members of the collaborating security and community-based forces for their courage, resilience and teamwork, especially in navigating difficult terrain and maintaining operational momentum.

He reassured residents, particularly farmers, that the Command remains fully committed to sustaining these efforts, strengthening community confidence, and ensuring a safe environment for legitimate economic activities across the State.