The Kogi State police command, on Wednesday, announced its readiness to provide adequate security for the Dekina-Okura State Constituency by-election, scheduled for Saturday, August 16.

The Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye, announced this during an interactive session with members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Lokoja.

Mr Dantawaye gave assurance that the police and other sister security agencies were 100 per cent ready for the election, having drawn up a comprehensive operation order, forwarded to the Force Headquarters, Abuja.

He said that every officer already knew exactly where they would be and what they would do on the election day, owing to the detailed plans.

Mr Dantawaye said, “I’m assuring you that this command, in collaboration with other security agencies, including the DSS, Brigade Command, Customs, Immigration, Correctional Service, and Civil Defence, expects good conduct from the politicians and electorate,”

The by-election was prompted by the death of the constituency’s former representative and ex-Deputy Speaker of the state Assembly, Enema Paul.

He pledged the command’s commitment to strengthening existing police and media relations to foster a stronger working collaboration and enhance accurate reportage of police activities.

He commended the media for their role in shaping public perception and ensuring accountability, urging them to remain professional in their reportage and promote harmony in the state.

Mr Dantawaye also urged the media to sharpen their power of observation and report any suspicious activities and movements for prompt action.

The state police boss highlighted some of his notable achievements since assuming office to include the detention of 582 suspects, comprising 157 kidnappers, 192 armed robbers, seven rapists, six cultists, 28 homicides, 38 over unlawful possession of firearms and 168 others.

He also said that the command also dismantled criminal networks and rescued an unspecified number of kidnap victims.

“Firearms recovered include eight AK 47 rifles, one AK 49, seven locally made pistols, eleven Dane guns, and 407 rounds of live ammunition. Others are ten magazines, Beretta pistol, seven live cartridges, one Sharon car, and two Bajaj motorcycles,” he said.

Mr Dantawaye said that the command was determined to sustain the collaboration with the media.

He commended the state government for its collaborative efforts, and solicited more support, in terms of operational vehicles, security gadgets, and logistics.

He also appealed to the public to provide credible information and intelligence to curb crime and criminality in the state.

Mr Dantawaye promised that the police would protect informants and urged the public to feel free to avail them of valuable information, emphasising that security is a collective responsibility.

In his remark, the Chairman of the chapel, Segun Salami, commended the police chief for his effective leadership style, saying it would strengthen the bond between the police and media.

Mr Salami said that the partnership would promote mutual understanding, enhance security reporting, and contribute to a more harmonious society.

He reiterated the chapel’s commitment to supporting the police with intelligence gathering and reportage in their efforts to tackle crime and criminality.

Mr Salami expressed confidence that the collaboration would lead to more accurate and informed reportage of police activities.

(NAN)