Kaduna state Commissioner of Police, Umar Muri, has ordered immediate deployment of more police personnel to Birnin Gwari- Kaduna highway to stem the upsurge in acts of banditry and kidnapping along the highway.
A statement issued and signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Kaduna state Police Command, ASP Mohammed Jalige, Saturday, said the personnel to be deployed include conventional police, mobile police force, anti-kidnapping unit and undercover operatives.
The Kaduna state Police spokesman called on the residents of Birnin Gwari, the neighbouring communities and communities along the Birnin Gwari – Kaduna highway to support and cooperate with the police personnel to ensure the success of the operation.
“In view of the recent upsurge in armed banditry, kidnapping activities along Kaduna – Birnin Gwari Highway, the Commissioner of Police Kaduna Command CP UM Muri has ordered the immediate deployment of more personnel and logistics in an effort to curb the activities of criminal elements along the highway and restore public confidence in the affected communities and road users.
“The deployment comprises of conventional police officers, police mobile force, operatives of the Puff Adder exercise, the anti-kidnapping unit and undercover operatives.
“The carefully planned deployment is to create a workable synergy between intelligence and striking units of the force, in order to minimize the activities of the men of the underworld around that axis. Hence, improve the socioeconomic environment and activities for the teeming populace.
“While commiserating with the families of the victims and pray that Almighty God grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. The CP appeals for more support, as operation of this magnitude cannot be seamlessly successful without cooperation of the host communities, commuters and various stakeholders.
“In this regard the Command is calling on all and sundry to assist the Police in ensuring that criminalities are brought to the barest minimum not only along Kaduna – Birnin Gwari Highway but the state in general,” he said.
