By Dada Ahmed, Lokoja.
The Police Command in Kogi State has recorded a major breakthrough in its war against crime, arresting 239 suspects involved in kidnapping, armed robbery, homicide, cultism, rape, and illegal possession of firearms, among other crimes, across the state.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Miller G. Dantawaye, disclosed this during his maiden press briefing at the command headquarters in Lokoja on Tuesday.
Dantawaye attributed the feat to enhanced intelligence-led policing, rigorous patrols along major highways, raids on criminal hideouts, and the recent graduation of operatives from the command’s Refresher Combat Operation Training Exercise (Course 7), aimed at boosting operational effectiveness.
“In line with our resolve to rid Kogi State of criminal elements, we have adopted comprehensive crime prevention and control strategies that are already yielding commendable results,” the CP said.
He emphasized the importance of public partnership in maintaining security, appealing to traditional rulers, community leaders, transport unions, market associations, youth groups, hunters, and vigilantes to collaborate with the police in sustaining peace and order.
Highlighting a major breakthrough, the CP revealed that on May 11, 2025, operatives stationed near Kogi State University, Kabba, intercepted a green Sharon vehicle with registration number KUJ 265 BL after the driver refused to comply with a stop-and-search directive.
“The fleeing suspect abandoned the vehicle and escaped into the bush. A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the recovery of five AK-47 rifles, eight magazines, 283 rounds of 7.62/39mm ammunition, 62 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, and two rounds of 7.62/59mm ammunition,” Dantawaye stated, adding that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the suspect.
The CP also disclosed that the command arrested:75 suspected kidnappers,66 suspected armed robbers,21 for unlawful possession of firearms,18 for homicide,6 for cultism,4 for rape, and49 others for various crimes
He added that the command recovered many exhibits during, operations, including 2 AK-49 rifles,2 pump-action guns,2 locally made pistols,locally made revolver barrel gun,1pump-action magazine,9 expended AK-47 ammunition and 7 expended cartridges.
CP Dantawaye attributed these achievements to the command’s proactive strategies and robust collaboration with community stakeholders.
“Our success is anchored on intelligence-led operations and strong community-police relations. No police force anywhere can function effectively without the support of the people,” he said.
He urged citizens to continue sharing timely and credible information to aid ongoing security operations, reaffirming the police’s commitment to ensuring peace and order in Kogi State through professionalism, strategic engagement, and vigilance.
