Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has thrown his weight behind the Nigeria Police Force’s newly introduced Operation Handshake Patrol, describing it as a strategic initiative that will strengthen security across border communities and eliminate criminal hideouts.
Governor Alia said the initiative, introduced by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, would improve security surveillance in border areas by allowing security personnel to pursue criminals across state boundaries without jurisdictional limitations.
According to the governor, the operation is expected to end the practice of criminals escaping into neighbouring states after carrying out attacks, stressing that determined and coordinated security efforts would deny offenders safe havens.
He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting security agencies with the resources needed to maintain peace and protect lives and property across Benue State.
Alia’s endorsement followed a joint security meeting held last Thursday at the Ankpa Local Government Conference Hall, where the Commissioners of Police for Benue and Kogi states officially launched the Operation Handshake Patrol Taskforce.
The taskforce was established to enhance security collaboration between the two states and safeguard residents living in border communities.
Benue State Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwudiogbu, and his Kogi counterpart, Naziru Bello Kankarofi, said the initiative was implemented in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police to dismantle criminal networks operating around the borders by removing jurisdictional barriers.
Nwudiogbu explained that the operation empowers officers from both state commands to conduct coordinated patrols and pursue suspected bandits, terrorists and other criminals across the forests and
