In a bid to ensure confidence building and to reassure the people of kogi State of their safety, the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 8 Lokoja, AIG Abubakar Zubairu, and the Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command CP Miller G. Dantawaye, psc visited the scene of attack on passengers who were traveling in an 18-Seater Bus along Obajana-Kabba road to assess the situation and ordered for deployment of additional operational assets to carry out bush combing operation to deny criminal elements safe haven.

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The AIG further engaged with the Divisional Police Officers and other key stakeholders to adopt strategies for proactive crime prevention and control management. He urged residents to remain calm, assuring them that the Command is working with critical stakeholders in security management.

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CP Dantawaye reiterated the Command unwavering commitment in working synergy with other security agencies to sustain the ongoing onslaught against criminality in the state. He further stated that, the Divisional Police Officers have been directed to carry out a comprehensive crime prevention patrol as well as intelligence-driven operations, to safeguard travelers and residents.

The engagement with local security groups aimed to further strengthen community collaboration in combating crime. The meeting brought together representatives from Hunters Association, Vigilante Groups, Oduduwa People’s Congress (OPC), Agbekoya Group, National Hunters, Special Hunters, Fulani Hunters.

He commended the vital role of community-led security efforts in preventing and responding to criminal activities. He further stressed the importance of intelligence sharing, noting that the law enforcement agencies require public cooperation to effectively combat crime. While acknowledging manpower challenges, authorities assured that training and collaboration efforts would be intensified to enhance security operations.

The CP disclosed that public support is essential in providing intelligence and other forms of assistance. Community leaders pledged their continued support to completement security efforts. While urging residents to stay vigilant, report suspicious activities, and avoid direct confrontations with well-armed criminals. They emphasized the need for intelligence-driven security strategies to dismantle criminal networks effectively.

The meeting concluded with assurances of strengthened security strategies, encouraging citizens to maintain open communication with law enforcement and prioritize collective safety.

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The Honourable Minister of Defence, H.E. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar has said that Nigeria will share experiences in defence , agriculture and Military cooperation with Bangladesh . This bilateral cooperation if discussed further will successfully integrates military personnel into various non-combat sectors such as agriculture, construction, and infrastructure development.

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This cooperation discussion aims to ensure that military personnel remain constructively engaged during peacetime, contributing to both their personal economic prosperity and the overall development of the nation.

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This bilateral cooperation discussion took place during a courtesy visit by H.E. Mansur Rahman, the High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Nigeria, at Ship House ,Abuja. The meeting highlighted the potential of such experiences between both countries.

He emphasized that benefits of such military cooperation in Agriculture and Defence will lead to productive activities for military personnel to forter their skills and community development

The High Commissioner of Bangladesh, H.E. Mansur Rahman, expressed his support for the idea and reiterated the importance of military involvement in civilian sectors as a means of fostering sustainable development and economic stability. He highlighted that the defence cooperation can substantially develop the Nigeria’s blue economy.

This underscores the Ministry of Defence’s dedication to innovative strategies that promote the welfare of military personnel and the prosperity of Nigeria as a whole.

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The Minister of State for Defence, Mohammed Bello Matawalle has thrown his weight behind the declaration of the State of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

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He said the declaration was to restore peace in the long troubled State, warning against attack on oil installations.

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Matawalle stated that the declaration is a necessary measure to address the ongoing political crisis, which has hindered the delivery of democratic governance and the welfare of the people of Rivers State. He called  on all political actors involved in the crisis to adhere to the President’s declaration and work collaboratively towards a peaceful resolution.

In light of the current situation, the Minister reiterated that the Nigerian Military  is on high alert to safeguard government infrastructure and ensure the security of the citizens. He warned that any attempts to attack government facilities or disrupt public order will be met with a resolute response from security forces.

Reflecting on the President’s address regarding the state of emergency, he acknowledged the gravity of the political crisis in Rivers State and the urgent need for intervention. He highlighted the unfortunate demolition of the House of Assembly by the state governor, which has left the state without a functioning legislature for over fourteen months. This action has contributed to the ongoing political impasse and the inability of the government to effectively serve the people.

The Minister also noted the Supreme Court’s recent ruling, which reaffirmed the constitutional necessity of a functioning legislature and condemned the governor’s actions as unconstitutional. He emphasized that the court’s findings call for immediate restoration of democratic governance in the state.

Minister Matawalle expressed concern over recent reports of vandalism and threats from militants, underscoring the need for a unified effort to restore peace and security. He reiterated that the Federal Government is committed to ensuring the safety of all citizens and the protection of vital infrastructure in Rivers State.

In addition, the Honourable Minister of State reaffirmed  the commitment of the Ministry of Defence and the Nigerian Armed Forces to upholding national security and ensuring that Rivers State returns to peace, stability and democratic governance. 

In conclusion, the Minister of State for Defence urged all stakeholders to embrace this opportunity for renewed governance and cooperation. He expressed hope that the state of emergency will pave the way for a peaceful and democratic Rivers State, benefitting all its residents.

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