By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
The Kogi East Neighborhood Watch (KENW) has praised the Nigerian Army’s 21 Battalion for successfully foiling a kidnap operation and rescuing a victim in the Egume-Ochaja area of Kogi State.
In a statement issued by Wing Commander Iye Ayefu (rtd), KENW’s Director of Public Communication, the operation took place on January 30, under the personal leadership of the battalion’s Commanding Officer—a development Ayefu described as “commendable and reassuring” for residents.
He said the swift intervention had restored public confidence in security agencies, noting that the operation underscored the Nigerian Army’s commitment to protecting lives and property in Kogi East.
“The swift response and successful rescue operation by the 21 Battalion have rekindled our conviction that the deployment of the battalion to Kogi East will significantly improve the security architecture of the zone,” Ayefu said.
Praising the gallantry of the troops, he added that the operation sent a strong signal to criminals operating in the region. “This timely operation demonstrates the Nigerian Army’s commitment to safeguarding innocent citizens and reinforces the message that Kogi East will not be a safe haven for kidnappers and other criminal elements.”
Ayefu also called on local communities to complement the efforts of security agencies by forming first-line defence volunteer groups. He emphasized that such volunteers should be properly trained by the Nigeria Police Force and tasked with providing credible, actionable intelligence to support security operations.
“Community participation remains critical to winning the fight against insecurity. We urge traditional institutions, youth groups, and community leaders to support the formation of trained local volunteers who can serve as the eyes and ears of security agencies,” he said.
The statement reaffirmed KENW’s commitment to partnering with security agencies and local communities to promote peace, vigilance, and sustainable security across Kogi East.
