A joint operation involving the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and security agencies has led to the arrest of 26 suspected kidnappers in Kogi West, as part of a sweeping cleanup effort aimed at tackling rising insecurity in the area.
The State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (retd.), made the disclosure on Tuesday while parading the suspects before journalists in Odo-Ape, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area.
The arrests follow a string of recent violent incidents in the region, including the abduction of a farmer, Chief Samuel Bello, on Monday in Poyan, Yagba West LGA, and the murder of a retired military officer, Major Joe Ajayi, who was kidnapped from his home in Odo-Ape despite a N10 million ransom payment.
Omodara said the two-week-long operation targeted both armed kidnappers hiding in the forest and local collaborators supplying them with logistics.
“It’s not only the bandits in the bush that we arrested, but also those within the communities aiding them—supplying food, water, drinks and other essentials,” he explained. “Our investigation into the murder of Major Ajayi revealed the involvement of some locals. These suspects are now helping us unravel the network of kidnappers operating in the region.”
He hailed the operation as evidence of the state government’s firm stance against criminality.
“This harvest of arrests shows that we are serious about restoring peace. Kogi is not a state criminals can overrun. We urge all communities to take up the first line of defense by developing intelligence networks and supporting local vigilante groups,” Omodara said.
He also warned that women were increasingly being used to buy supplies for kidnappers, often through unsuspecting youths who serve as couriers.
Omodara further alleged that a recent protest was orchestrated by elements outside the state in a bid to distract from the government's security efforts, noting that the communities have since distanced themselves from the demonstrations.
Reiterating Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s commitment to state-wide peace, the adviser said proactive measures have been taken, particularly in border communities like Olamaboro and Omala, to prevent criminal infiltration from neighboring states.
“The administration is determined to root out bandits and kidnappers from our forests and bring every perpetrator to justice,” he said. “Politicians, traditional rulers, or youths found collaborating with criminals will not be spared.”
Also speaking, the Deputy Commandant of the CJTF in Kogi West, Mr. Jeremiah Danjuma, attributed the recent breakthrough to cooperation between the state and federal governments.
“In a major raid last night in the Bunu forests, we apprehended 16 suspected bandits and kidnappers, including some from Zamfara State,” Danjuma said. “The most notorious among them have already been handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS) for further investigation.”
On his part, the traditional ruler of Aiyegunle-Igun Bunu, Oba Sunday Omodamori, condemned the actions of individuals he described as "disgruntled youths" collaborating with criminal elements.
“These kidnappers reportedly travelled from as far as Kebbi and Zamfara through Niger State to carry out attacks here,” he said. “Thanks to swift action by the state government and the vigilance of our hunters and local security teams, the situation is now under control. Any protest against the government at this point is unwarranted and misleading.”
The Kogi State Government has reaffirmed its resolve to sustain the crackdown on criminal networks and restore lasting peace across the state.
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