From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

The Kogi State Police Command has intensified joint bush clearance operations in identified forest areas to deny criminal elements access to suspected hideouts and forest corridors across the state. The Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, said the operations were part of efforts to maintain pressure on suspected criminal elements operating in remote areas and improve security for residents and farmers.

According to a statement signed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, a joint operation was conducted on Thursday, August 20, across forest locations linking Kabba/Bunu, Obajana and Lokoja. The operation involved personnel from the police, military, local vigilante groups and other security auxiliaries.

The team searched the Daji 2 Forest Zone and cleared an abandoned settlement reportedly suspected of having been used as a hideout or staging point for criminal activities. The security personnel also conducted a clearance operation at Amos Camp, another abandoned location in difficult terrain involving creeks and mountainous areas.

The command said signs of recent movement were observed along routes leading towards the Oyo Forest axis of Obajana, suggesting that occupants had left the area before the security team arrived. The police said the operations had boosted confidence among residents and farmers, with some returning to their farmlands and daily activities.

Kankarofi commended participating personnel and collaborating security and community groups for their resilience and teamwork. He assured residents that patrols, intelligence gathering and bush clearance operations would continue across identified areas to improve security and protect legitimate economic activities.

By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has launched the “One to Tell Ten” initiative to encourage young people to reject crime and promote peace, responsible citizenship and safer communities.The initiative, launched in Uyo during activities marking International Youth Day 2026, brought together more than 2,000 youth leaders across the state.

Commissioner of Police Baba Azare said the programme was designed to multiply positive security messages, with each participating youth encouraged to share the message with at least 10 others. He urged youths to reject political thuggery, cultism, drug abuse, cybercrime, electoral violence, vandalism and other criminal activities while supporting intelligence gathering, early warning and community-based crime prevention.

Azare also urged young people to embrace the campaign, “My Future Is Greater Than Political Thuggery,” stressing that political interests should not jeopardise their lives or future. The commissioner described youths as important partners in modern policing and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to strengthening police-youth relations, community policing and intelligence-led policing. He warned that anyone involved in violence, kidnapping, armed robbery, cybercrime, vandalism or other offences would face legal action regardless of status or affiliation.

On digital responsibility, Azare urged youths to “Think Before You Click, Verify Before You Share,” warning against misinformation, cyberbullying, defamatory content, manipulated media and the irresponsible use of artificial intelligence. He encouraged young Nigerians to choose dialogue over violence, innovation over criminality and patriotism over division.

By Anne Azuka

The Delta State Government has said Governor Sheriff Oborevwori will focus on governance and his administration’s achievements rather than engage in political attacks ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, stated this while speaking with journalists in Asaba about recent comments attributed to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Delta Central senatorial candidate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege.

Aniagwu said Oborevwori would continue implementing the administration’s MORE Agenda and seek a second term based on his record in office. “Governor Oborevwori will focus on delivering on his promises with good governance, making life much more comfortable for our people rather than joining anybody in the mud,” he said.

The commissioner said the government was confident that residents would assess the governor based on projects, policies and their impact across the state. He also rejected allegations of a plot to assassinate Omo-Agege, saying the claim should not distract from issues of governance and development.

Aniagwu noted that Oborevwori and Omo-Agege would be contesting different positions in 2027, with the governor seeking re-election and Omo-Agege contesting a senatorial seat. The commissioner said the administration would remain focused on development and delivering on its promises rather than allowing political disagreements to distract it from governance.

He expressed confidence that voters would ultimately assess the administration’s performance and decide whether to grant Oborevwori a second term. “Let the people look at what we have done in the last three years, let them look at what we are doing and let them decide,” Aniagwu said.