Governor Hyacinth Alia has thrown his support behind the newly launched Operation Handshake, a joint security initiative between the Benue and Kogi State Police Commands aimed at dismantling criminal hideouts and improving security across the two states' border communities.

Governor Hyacinth Alia has endorsed the Operation Handshake Patrol, a joint security initiative introduced by the Inspector General of Police to strengthen policing along the Benue-Kogi border and deny criminal groups safe havens across state boundaries.

The governor expressed optimism that the initiative would improve security surveillance, enhance cooperation among security agencies, and curb the activities of criminals who exploit jurisdictional boundaries after carrying out attacks.

According to Governor Alia, the success of the operation will depend on the commitment and professionalism of security personnel, adding that criminals should no longer be able to flee into neighbouring states to evade arrest.

He also reaffirmed his administration's commitment to supporting security agencies with the resources required to protect lives and property across Benue State.

Governor Alia's remarks followed a joint security meeting held last Thursday at the Ankpa Local Government Conference Hall in Kogi State, where the Commissioners of Police for Benue and Kogi formally announced the establishment of the Operation Handshake Joint Taskforce.

The Commissioners of Police, Cletus Nwudiogbu of Benue State and Naziru Bello Kankarofi of Kogi State, explained that the initiative was established in line with directives from the Inspector General of Police to strengthen collaboration against cross-border criminal activities.

According to the commissioners, the taskforce is designed to eliminate jurisdictional barriers that often allow criminal suspects to escape into neighbouring states after committing offences.

CP Nwudiogbu stated that personnel participating in Operation Handshake would be able to conduct coordinated operations in forests and border communities across both states in pursuit of suspected bandits, terrorists and other criminal elements.

He added that the police commands had also established channels through which residents could report security concerns, urging citizens to cooperate with law enforcement instead of resorting to self-help.

On his part, CP Bello Kankarofi described the initiative as a practical demonstration of the shared commitment of both police commands to improving security along the Benue-Kogi border.

He appealed to the governors of both states to continue providing logistics and operational support to security agencies, expressing confidence that residents would soon witness the benefits of the collaboration.

The commissioner also urged police personnel to maintain professionalism and work closely with host communities to ensure intelligence-led policing.

Commander of the 21 Brigade, Ankpa, Lieutenant Colonel J.S. Monde, assured that the Nigerian Army would continue working with the police and other security agencies to enhance peace and stability in border communities.

He called on members of the public to provide credible and timely intelligence to enable security agencies respond effectively to security threats.

The statement was issued by Sir Tersoo Kula, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Benue State.