The Kogi State Government has activated a coordinated security operation to safeguard worship centres, schools and vulnerable public places across the state.
This followed the directive by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo following recent attacks on worshippers and schools in neighbouring states.
The Chairman of Lokoja Local Government Area, Abdullahi Adamu disclosed this after a meeting with heads of security agencies to review security situation in the state capital.
Speaking after the closed door meeting, Lokoja Area Commander of the Nigeria Police, ACP Abubakar Umar, said security agencies met with the local chairman to review the local security landscape and implement immediate preventive measures in Lokoja and other areas.
He noted that under the new arrangement, five joint security teams drawn from the Nigeria Police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Department of State Services (DSS) and local vigilante groups will patrol remote areas with focus on churches, mosques and schools, while discouraging night gatherings in vulnerable areas.
Patrols and location mapping are set to begin immediately, followed by community sensitization and a compliance operation beginning immediately.
Umar called for the cooperation of residents and religious bodies, noting that the operation aims to prevent avoidable attacks and sustain peace across the state.