Benue and Kogi States Establish Joint Taskforce to Tackle Border Insecurity

Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has welcomed a new security collaboration with Kogi State aimed at restoring peace and safety in their shared border communities.

The initiative follows a joint meeting held last Thursday by the Commissioners of Police from both states at the Ankpa Local Government Conference Hall. At the meeting, the two police commands announced the establishment of a joint Taskforce to protect lives and property in border areas.

Mr Cletus Nwudiogbu, Commissioner of Police in Benue State, and Mr Naziru Bello Kankarofi of Kogi State explained that the taskforce was formed in response to a directive from the Inspector General of Police. The goal is to eliminate safe havens for criminals by removing jurisdictional barriers that previously allowed bandits, criminals, and terrorists to commit crimes in one state and hide in another.

Under Operation Handshake, police operatives from both states can now pursue and arrest suspects across the border. The commissioners also provided citizens with channels to lodge complaints without resorting to self-help, pledging resolute action to restore peace.

Mr Bello Kankarofi described the collaboration as a demonstration of shared commitment to border security, urging both governors to provide necessary logistics for effective patrol. He assured residents of tangible results soon and commended Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue and Governor Usman Dodo of Kogi for their dedication to citizens’ safety.

In attendance, Lieutenant Colonel JS Monde of the 21 Brigade, Nigerian Army in Ankpa, assured continued military support to the police and other security agencies. He called on the public to share credible and timely intelligence with security forces.

The statement was issued by Sir Tersoo Kula, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State.