Betty Isokpan Otimenyin, the newly deployed Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 8, Lokoja, has vowed to intensify the fight against crime in Kogi and Kwara states, declaring that criminals will face the full weight of the law.

Otimenyin Betty is an indigene of Edo State and the first female AIG to head Zone 8, covering Kogi and Kwara states, a development widely seen as a milestone for gender inclusion in Nigeria Police Force

Otimenyin, the first female officer to head the Zone 8 Command, made the pledge on Thursday shortly after assuming office as the 34th AIG overseeing the Kogi and Kwara Police Commands, just as she expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, for the confidence reposed in her and pledged to build on the achievements of her predecessor and the Commissioners of Police in the two states.

She said: “My office will work assiduously with all stakeholders. We shall treat everyone fairly and ensure that the zone is free of kidnapping, banditry, cultism and other criminal activities. Criminals will face the full wrath of the law.”

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Otimenyin equally stressed that security is a collective responsibility, assuring that she would strengthen collaboration with traditional rulers, community leaders, relevant stakeholders and other security agencies to sustain peace across the zone.

“The existing security framework in the zone remains effective, my leadership would focus on improving and consolidating ongoing efforts.

“The security architecture is already in place. My coming is to add value and build on what is already working,” she said.

Speaking on the recent attacks on schools in parts of Kogi State, Otimenyin directed Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) to step up surveillance and regular patrols around schools within their jurisdictions to prevent any security breach.

She warned: “We will not allow our schools to become targets. DPOs must remain visible, vigilant and responsive to every threat around educational institutions”.

She was received at the Zone 8 Headquarters in Lokoja by Naziru Bello Kankarofi, Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, alongside other senior police officers.