In a major crackdown on criminal activities in Kogi and Kwara states, security operatives have arrested 12 suspected kidnappers and one alleged informant following coordinated operations across both states.
The Commissioner for Information in Kogi State, Mr. Kingsley Fanwo, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday in Lokoja.
He revealed that the arrests were made during a series of raids jointly carried out by the Hybrid Force from the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and personnel from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Egbe, Kogi State.
Fanwo listed the names of the arrested suspects as Mainasara Abubakar, Sadik Abubakar, Jude Sani, Sanda Abubakar, Lawali Usman, Tukur Shehu, Hassan Abubakar, Kabiru Surajo, Makiri Dodo, Bala Hassan, Umaru Sanda, and Ruwa Abubakar. He also confirmed the arrest of Rabiu Makeri, believed to be an informant for the kidnapping syndicate.
According to the commissioner, the operations took place in Isanlu-Esa and Okoloke communities in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi, as well as Patigi, Lafiagi, and Gbugbu in Kwara State.
Fanwo said the security forces engaged the suspects in a fierce gun battle, forcing some of the kidnappers to flee and abandon their victims and motorcycles. Several kidnapped women were rescued during the operation.
He commended the professionalism and bravery of the officers involved in the raid and praised the collaboration between the federal and state security agencies, adding that the joint efforts have successfully disrupted criminal networks along the Kogi-Kwara border.
“We are grateful to the gallant officers from the NSA’s office and our men at FOB Egbe for their courage and dedication. We also appreciate the support of the Kwara State Government, which contributed to the success of this operation,” Fanwo stated.
He added that peace has been restored to Kogi West, noting that the criminal route from Kwara into the region has now been effectively blocked. He warned that there would be no hiding place for criminals in the state.
However, Fanwo confirmed that one security officer sustained gunshot injuries during the operation and is currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Yagba West. Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has pledged to cover all medical expenses for the wounded officer.
He further assured that the arrested suspects will face full prosecution and reiterated the state government’s zero-tolerance policy towards criminal activities.
Meanwhile, the Executive Chairman of Yagba West LGA and Chairman of Kogi State ALGON, Hon. Tosin Olokun, applauded the security operatives for their bravery and lauded Governor Ododo for providing the necessary logistics and support that made the successful operation possible.
“Governor Ododo promised to restore peace to Yagba West and East, and he has matched his words with action. The people of Yagba are grateful for his leadership,” Olokun said.
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