The Commissioners of Police in Kogi and Edo States, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi and CP Patrick Daaor, have intensified security cooperation between the two states with a joint patrol along the Okene-Auchi Expressway at the Kogi-Edo border.

The patrol, conducted at Aguda Village, was aimed at assessing ongoing joint clearance operations and strengthening security around vulnerable routes and forest hideouts along the border corridor.

The commissioners inspected personnel deployed by the police and other security agencies for a seven-day joint clearance operation, including operations in identified black spots and forest hideouts.

According to the Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Afusat Salihu, the operation had already recorded a major breakthrough with the rescue of nine kidnap victims abducted along the Mameramo-Adomu Road on August 11.

The victims were rescued through an intelligence-led operation involving the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy Ship Lugard, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, local vigilantes and other auxiliary security forces from both states.

Police said the victims were safely evacuated, debriefed and subsequently reunited with their families.

During the patrol, the commissioners also met with residents of border communities, who raised concerns about insecurity affecting local communities and motorists using the corridor.

The police assured the communities that appropriate security measures would continue to be implemented to address the identified threats.

The commands said the joint operation would strengthen intelligence sharing and coordinated responses, while denying criminal groups the opportunity to exploit the Kogi-Edo boundary as a safe haven.