The police command in Kogi has assured residents that their lives and property are safe in the force’s hands and urged them to disregard false alarms and reports of imminent attacks by bandits.

Police commissioner Naziru Kankarofi gave the charge in a statement signed by the command’s spokesperson, William Ovye-Aya, on Monday.

“Such reports are unverifiable and do not constitute any elements of truth. The command has taken security matters very seriously and has put measures in place to ensure the safety of lives and property in the state,” he said.

The commissioner said he has ordered the deployment of tactical teams, including the Police Mobile Force, counter-terrorism, Quick Response, and intelligence units, to strategic locations across the state…

“Additional security assets have also been deployed to carry out operations and meet any unforeseen situations in critical areas.

“We, hereby, urge the public to remain calm and verify information through official sources before sharing. This is necessarily because false claims can cause unnecessary panic and fear among residents,” he said.

Mr Kankarofi, however, appealed to the residents to work together with the police and other security agencies to keep the state safe.

He added, “If you notice anything suspicious, please report without hesitation. Security is a shared responsibility.”

(NAN)