Rivers, Bayelsa police begin joint border patrol, bush clearing

Security has been stepped up along the Rivers-Bayelsa boundary as the police commands in the two states launched joint patrols and bush-clearing operations to frustrate criminal activities.

The exercise, led by the Rivers and Bayelsa Commissioners of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju and CP Ajao Adewale, is aimed at denying criminals access to secluded areas that could serve as hideouts.

The operation is also in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, for police commands to intensify security operations and identify and clear locations suspected to be used by criminal elements.

Speaking during the exercise, the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, said the bush-clearing operation was necessary to “eliminate potential security threats along the boundary.”

Adepoju assured residents that the police were taking proactive measures to ensure a safe Ember period, stressing that the two commands would continue to work together to protect lives and property.

His Bayelsa counterpart, Adewale, said the joint operation would make it difficult for criminals to exploit the bushy areas separating the two states.

The exercise further strengthens security cooperation between the Rivers and Bayelsa commands, particularly in preventing criminals from using the interstate boundary to evade law enforcement.