Twelve suspected kidnappers and one alleged informant have been arrested in a coordinated security operation across parts of Kogi and Kwara states.
The arrests were announced on Tuesday by the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, in a press statement made available to journalists.
Fanwo said the suspects were apprehended during a series of joint raids conducted by a Hybrid Force from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in collaboration with 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 suspected kidnappers were identified 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, who is believed to be an informant for the gang.
According to the statement, security forces engaged the suspects in a fierce gun battle, during which several kidnappers fled, abandoning their motorcycles and some kidnapped victims. Several women were successfully rescued during the operation.
“We want to thank the gallant officers from the Office of the National Security Adviser and our men at the FOB, Egbe, for their courage and professionalism,” the statement read. “We also commend the Kwara State Government for its cooperation, which contributed to the success of the operation.”
Fanwo added that peace had been restored to Kogi West following the disruption of the criminal route between Kwara and Kogi Communities.
He confirmed that one security operative was shot during the operation and is currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Yagba West, with all medical expenses covered by Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo.
The Commissioner assured the public that the suspects would face full prosecution after investigations, reaffirming the state’s zero-tolerance stance on criminality.
In a separate statement, the Executive Chairman of Yagba West Local Government Area and Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Kogi State chapter, Hon. Tosin Olokun, praised Governor Ododo for providing the logistical support that made the operation successful.
“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 reiterated its commitment to working with federal and regional partners to ensure the safety and security of all communities within the state.
