By joshua HON. USMAN AUSTIN OKAI APPLAUDS 21 ARMY BATTALION ANYIGBA FOR SWIFT RESCUE OF KIDNAPPED VICTIMS
A public affairs analyst and human rights activist, Hon. Usman Austin Okai, has commended the officers and men of the 21 Army Battalion, Anyigba, for their swift and successful operation that led to the rescue of kidnapped victims.
Hon. Okai praised the courage, professionalism and determination of the military personnel who combed bushes and forests in pursuit of the kidnappers and worked tirelessly to secure the safe release of the victims.
He said the operation demonstrates the importance of proactive security measures, credible intelligence and the readiness of security personnel to go beyond conventional checkpoints in protecting lives and communities.
However, Hon. Okai urged personnel of the Nigerian Navy manning checkpoints, as well as other security agencies, to intensify surveillance, intelligence gathering and coordinated patrols. He stressed that criminals must not be allowed to exploit security gaps or move freely between established checkpoints.
He called for stronger inter-agency collaboration and information sharing among the Army, Navy, Police and other security formations, noting that the protection of lives and property must remain their primary responsibility.
Hon. Okai also commended the Chairman of Dekina Local Government Area, Hon. John Urah Ikani, for his proactive approach and support toward security operations in the area. He noted that effective cooperation between local authorities, communities and security agencies remains critical to combating kidnapping and other forms of criminality.
He described the presence of the 21 Army Battalion in Anyigba as a welcome development in the fight against kidnapping and banditry in Kogi State, particularly given the difficult terrains where security operations are often conducted.
Hon. Okai particularly appreciated the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Godiya Solomon Monday and the entire personnel of the battalion for their dedication and commitment to protecting residents and restoring confidence in affected communities.
While urging residents to continue providing security agencies with credible and timely information, Hon. Okai maintained that the fight against insecurity requires collective responsibility and sustained cooperation between security agencies, local authorities and the people.
“The successful rescue of these victims is a clear reminder that proactive security operations, credible intelligence and the courage of our security personnel can make a significant difference. We must continue to support and encourage those who put their lives on the line to protect us,” Hon. Okai said.
He congratulated the 21 Army Battalion Anyigba, on the successful rescue operation and called for sustained security operations to ensure that kidnappers and other criminal elements have no safe haven in the forests and the communities in Kogi East and Kogi state