Police and soldiers from Kogi and Edo states have deployed drones and tactical teams across forest areas along the Kogi–Edo border after a kidnapping on the Okene–Auchi Road.
The joint operation, which continued into Saturday, August 8, 2026, covers forest corridors around Okene, Ajokuta, Ebiya, Ajaokuta and Adoko, the Kogi State Police Command said.
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The operation is aimed at finding the kidnapped victims and arresting those responsible. Security teams have also searched suspected camps and destroyed locations believed to have been used by the perpetrators.
The Kogi State Police Command disclosed the development through its Public Relations Officer, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, on 10 August.
The operation brings together several police units in Kogi, Nigerian Army personnel and tactical teams from the Edo State Police Command.
Drones deployed along forest routes
The Nigerian Army and Edo State Police Command have deployed drones to support surveillance and intelligence gathering during the search.
The aircraft are being used as tactical teams advance through identified forest locations. Security personnel are also carrying out patrols and clearance operations along the Kogi–Edo border.
The Kogi Command said the border operation was strengthened to prevent the suspects from finding escape routes after the kidnapping.
Personnel from the Area Command, Okene, 77 Police Mobile Force Squadron, Okene Division and Adavi Division are taking part in the operation.
The Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit and Violent Crime Response Unit are also involved. Soldiers operating from Forward Operating Bases in the area have joined the police teams.
The Edo State Police Command has supplied its Anti-Kidnapping Unit and other tactical personnel.
Search teams have examined forest corridors within the Okene–Ajokuta axis, particularly Ebiya Forest and nearby areas.
During the searches, security personnel found foodstuffs, cooking ingredients, an Army-pattern jungle hat and a National Identity Card.
Police said the items were suspected to have been left behind by the criminal elements. The suspected hideouts were later destroyed and set ablaze to stop them from being used again.
No kidnapped victim was found during the initial searches.
The security teams have continued into adjoining forest areas as the search for the victims and those responsible for the kidnapping continues.
Commissioner of Police in Kogi State, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, directed the operational teams to continue until the victims are safely recovered and the perpetrators are arrested.
The Command said it was working with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders during the operation.
Abugi returns to calm
The police also reported that calm had returned to Abugi and nearby communities after recent reprisal killings.
The Area Command, Lokoja, worked with traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders to address the conflict and restore peaceful coexistence.
The State Criminal Investigation Department has opened a full investigation into the killings.
Police said the investigation is aimed at identifying, tracing and arresting people who took part in or contributed to the deaths.
Security personnel have also been deployed in the affected communities to prevent further violence and protect lives and property.
The Command said normalcy had returned to Abugi and its surroundings, although security monitoring has continued.
The investigation into the killings is also continuing.
The Kogi Command asked residents to stay law-abiding and report suspicious movement s or activities to the police and other security agencies.
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