By John Odhe
In line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police (IG), Olatunji Disu, the Commissioners of Police, Bayelsa and Rivers States Commands, Ajao Adewale and Olugbenga Adepoju, respectively have joined forces against criminal elements in the border forests.
The two commissioners led a joint clearance operation across strategic forest corridors bordering Bayelsa and Rivers States.
The well-coordinated operation featured intelligence-led patrols, drone-assisted aerial surveillance, aggressive bush clearance and intensified border surveillance.
It was conducted as part of the commands’ sustained efforts to strengthen security ahead of the ember months.
The operation covered the Oromah, Mbiama and Okaki Forests, with the objective of denying criminal elements access to secluded locations often exploited as hideouts and illicit operational bases.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Mr. Musa Mohammed of the Bayelsa State command, the operation was to disrupt criminal activities and movements and enhance police visibility, and secure the vital corridors connecting both states.
The police commissioners commended the participating officers for their professionalism and operational commitment.
They directed the officers and men to remain vigilant, proactive and firm, but civil in the discharge of their duties and to ensure that the rights of law-abiding citizens were fully respected.
While reaffirming the commands’ commitment to protecting lives and property, Adewale called on residents, traditional institutions, community leaders and other stakeholders in the affected areas to support the security efforts.
He urged them to promptly report suspicious persons, movements and activities to the nearest police station or through the command’s Control Room emergency lines: 0703 457 8208 / 09167322691.
