The Security Adviser to Kogi State governor, Commodore Jerry Omodara (retd) has said security operatives are on the trail of abductors of 18 passengers on a bus belonging to the ABC Transport.

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The passengers were kidnapped on Sunday.

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Mr Omodara disclosed this on Thursday in Lokoja.

The bus, reportedly heading to Abuja on Sunday, March 16, from the South-East was reportedly hijacked by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers at Oloma in the Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi, a border town between the state and Enugu State.

Reliable sources said that all the bus passengers including the driver were abducted by the gunmen.
However, Mr Omodara, who confirmed the incident, said that a combined team of security operatives had launched a manhunt for the abductors.

He said the operatives in Kogi State, including the military, police, SSS, NSCDC and vigilante groups were in synergy to rescue the victims.

He stated, “Just on Wednesday, all the security heads met twice to see that we get the kidnappers and rescue the victims.’’

According to him, this kind of synergy and cooperation from residents provide security agents useful information that helps them to succeed.

He said that Kogi State had recorded a drastic drop in kidnapping incidents and crimes due to synergy and cooperation from residents.

The state security adviser said though they might not be able to completely eradicate crime in the state, they were making efforts to tackle any that reared its ugly head.

He assured families of the abducted passengers that they would be released unhurt.

He added, “We want Kogi to be a haven for all residents and passers-by alike.”

(NAN)

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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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