The Commissioners of Police in Edo and Ondo States, Patrick Daaor and Felix Ohagwu, have embarked on a joint “handshake patrol” to strengthen security along border communities of both states.*
The operation is aimed at enhancing collaboration with sister security agencies including the Edo State Security Vigilante Network, Edo Hunters, Edo State Security Corps, ESSC, and the Nigerian Army to safeguard lives and property in border towns.
The Edo CP’s entourage included the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Peter Gana; Area Commanders of Igarra and Ekiadolor, Odugbeson Olusesan and Umar Garba; and DPOs of Ekiadolor and Sobe Divisions, Temofe Nwanbueze and Agu Oliver.
The team met with their Ondo counterparts at Sobe, a border town, before proceeding to Ogbese community in Ondo State, where they were received by community elders led by Chief Okogun Oshokeluse.
Speaking during the patrol, CP Daaor said both commands are integrating border communities in Edo and Ondo to partner effectively with security agencies.
“When I resumed as CP Edo, I said my main priority is the safety of Edo people. After meeting with CP Kogi, we are here with CP Ondo to strengthen border security,” he said.
He added that residents are being encouraged to have direct contacts of DPOs and Area Commanders for quick response.
“It is easier for a response to come from these nearby areas than from the headquarters, as distance plays a major role in tackling crime,” Daaor stated.
CP Ohagwu said the joint operation, codenamed “Flushing Out Criminal Elements from Edo and Ondo State Forest,” has identified three camps in the forest being used by criminals to terrorize communities. He noted that police operatives are already in the forest.
He explained that the Ogbese River, which separates Ondo and Edo, is often used as an escape route by criminals. The collaboration, he said, will help block exit routes from both states.
In line with the Inspector-General of Police’s directive, the two commands conducted the handshake patrol at Sobe and Ogbese to demonstrate synergy on the ground.
CP Daaor also visited the palace of the Odibiado of Sobe Kingdom, HRH Anthony Ero Aleburu, to seek royal support for strengthening security in the border areas.
Both commissioners assured residents of sustained collaboration to ensure border communities remain safe for business and daily activities.
