The police command in Nasarawa has begun a major operation to raid the hideouts and camps of bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements in forests across the state.

The state commissioner of police, Shetima Mohammed, disclosed this on Tuesday in Lafia while addressing officers before the operation began at Alagye Forest in Doma Local Government Area (LGA).

Mr Mohammed said the operation was in compliance with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu.

He explained that the exercise was aimed at flushing out bandits, kidnappers, armed robbers and other criminal elements from their hideouts to restore peace and security across the state.

The CP said the command had deployed tactical teams, anti-kidnapping operatives and personnel from the intelligence department to identify security flashpoints and forested areas.

He said the special operation would continue until the end of December, urging the personnel involved to maintain professionalism and adhere to established rules of engagement.

Mr Mohammed explained that the state had been divided into three operational sectors to ensure effective coverage and coordination.

According to him, Sector A covers the Lafia zone, Sector B the Akwanga zone, while Sector C covers the Keffi zone.

He said Sector A was being led by ACP Lamidu Alkali, Squadron Commander of Mopol 58, Lafia.

Sector B is headed by ACP Kadir Umar, Squadron Commander of Mopol 38, Akwanga, while ACP Olobekga Saligo, Squadron Commander of Mopol 69, Toto, leads Sector C.

The commissioner said the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Sanusi Jidda, would coordinate activities across the three sectors to ensure effective clearance of criminal camps.

He urged members of the public to support the police with timely and credible information on criminal activities, assuring them that such information would be treated with utmost confidentiality.

Mr Mohammed also appealed to residents to remain law-abiding and continue with their normal activities, assuring them of the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property.

Meanwhile, Mr Jidda, who led the team to Alagye Forest in Doma, said the police had received credible intelligence indicating that bandits and kidnappers were using the forest as a hideout.

“We will not spare any criminal or their hideout. We have commenced aggressive raids on all known and suspected criminal camps,” he said.

Mr Jidda added that police personnel were already operating in the forests and would extend the operation to other forested areas in Akwanga and Toto LGAs.

He said the operation involved more than six units of highly motivated, well-equipped personnel, who were prepared to confront criminal elements in the forests.

The DCP expressed confidence that the sustained operation would help make Nasarawa State safer for residents.

(NAN)