Kogi/Kwara security joint forces arrest 12 suspected kidnappers

Twelve suspected kidnappers and one informant have been arrested in a coordinated security operation carried out across parts of Kogi and Kwara States.

This was disclosed by the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, in a press statement made available to newsmen.

He said the suspects were apprehended during a series of raids jointly executed by the Hybrid Force from the Office of the National Security Adviser and personnel from the Forward Operating Base (FOB), Egbe.

The operations covered Isanlu-Esa and Okoloke in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, as well as Patigi, Lafiagi, and Gbugbu in Kwara State.

The statement identified the suspected kidnappers 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. Also arrested was Rabiu Makeri, believed to be an informant for the gang.

According to the statement, security forces engaged the suspects in a fierce gun battle, during which some of the kidnappers fled, abandoning their motorcycles and kidnap victims. Several kidnapped women were successfully rescued during the confrontation.

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“We want to thank the gallant officers from the Office of the National Security Adviser and our men at FOB, Egbe, for their courage and professionalism. We also commend the Kwara State Government for their cooperation, which has yielded this outstanding result,” the statement read.

“Peace has returned to Kogi West as the criminal route from Kwara into our communities has now been disrupted. There will be no hiding place for criminals. One of the security agents who confronted the kidnappers was shot and is currently receiving medical treatment at an undisclosed hospital in Yagba West Local Government Area. The Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo, has offered to cover all treatment costs,” he added.

The Commissioner further assured the public that the arrested suspects would face full prosecution after investigations, reaffirming the state’s zero-tolerance policy on criminality.

In a separate remark, the Executive Chairman of Yagba West LGA and ALGON Chairman for Kogi State, Hon. Tosin Olokun, expressed gratitude to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for providing the logistics and support that enabled the success of the operation.

“Governor Ododo promised to restore peace to Yagba West and Yagba as a whole. Today, he has backed those words with decisive action. We can now heave a sigh of relief. The people of Yagba are grateful for his leadership and the results it is delivering,” Olokun said.

The Kogi State Government emphasized its continued commitment to working with federal and regional partners to ensure the safety and security of all communities within the state.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE