Blessing Bello, Reporting
LOKOJA — History was made on Thursday as Assistant Inspector General of Police Betty Otimenyin officially assumed office as the 34th AIG in charge of Zone 8, Lokoja, becoming the first female police chief to head the zone which encompasses Kogi and Kwara states.
AIG Otimenyin, who takes over the leadership of the zone, expressed gratitude to the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, for entrusting her with the responsibility of overseeing security operations across the two states.
In her maiden address after assuming duty, the new zonal commander pledged to consolidate on the achievements of her predecessors while ramping up efforts to combat crime across the region.
“I shall work closely with all stakeholders, including traditional rulers, community leaders and sister security agencies, to tackle the scourge of kidnapping, banditry, cultism and other criminal activities,” she stated.
The AIG emphasised that security remained a collective responsibility, promising that her administration would prioritise collaboration with other security agencies through the Kogi and Kwara State Commands.
“My office will work assiduously with everybody. We shall treat everyone equally and ensure that the zone is free of kidnapping and banditry. Criminals will be made to face the full wrath of the law,” she declared.
Addressing the recent spate of attacks on schools in parts of Kogi State, AIG Otimenyin assured residents that proactive measures would be intensified through school safety initiatives. She has directed Divisional Police Officers across the zone to step up surveillance and conduct regular patrols around educational institutions within their areas of responsibility.
“The security architecture is already in place. My coming as the present AIG will only add value and build on what is already working,” she added.
The new zonal commander also pledged to leverage her extensive experience to sustain ongoing joint security operations, working closely with the Commissioner of Police for Kogi State Command, CP Naziru Kankarofi, and other security agencies to enhance the safety of schools and communities, particularly in identified flashpoints.
AIG Otimenyin’s appointment marks a significant milestone in the Nigeria Police Force’s history, reflecting the service’s commitment to gender inclusivity in senior leadership positions.
