Security operatives have arrested 12 suspected kidnappers and one alleged informant in a series of coordinated operations across Kogi and Kwara States.
The latest operation which is said to have restored calm to communities previously terrorised by abductions was carried out jointly by officers from the Office of the National Security Adviser and personnel of the Forward Operating Base (FOB), Egbe.
In a statement released on Wednesday morning, the Kogi State Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, disclosed that the suspects were apprehended during raids conducted in Isanlu-Esa and Okoloke areas of Yagba West Local Government Area in Kogi State, as well as in Patigi, Lafiagi, and Gbugbu in Kwara State.
The suspects reportedly engaged the operatives in a fierce gun battle, during which some gang members fled, abandoning their motorcycles and kidnap victims.
“In the process, several kidnapped women were successfully rescued,” Fanwo said.
Naijaonpoint reports that the commissioner identified those arrested individuals 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 added that one Rabiu Makeri, believed to be the gang’s informant, was also arrested and is currently in custody.
Fanwo revealed that one security operative sustained gunshot injuries during the confrontation and is currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Yagba West.
“Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has taken full responsibility for the officer’s medical expenses and has reaffirmed his support for security personnel risking their lives to keep the state safe,” Fanwo added.
The commissioner noted that the operation marks a significant blow to kidnapping networks using Kwara State as an entry point into Kogi West.
“Peace has returned to Kogi West as the criminal route from Kwara into our communities has now been disrupted,” Fanwo declared.
“There will be no hiding place for criminals in our state.”
He reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance approach to insecurity, adding that the arrested suspects would be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
Reacting to the success of the operation, the Executive Chairman of Yagba West LGA and Kogi ALGON Chairman, Tosin Olokun, applauded the courage of the security personnel and praised Governor Ododo for providing the logistics that enabled the crackdown.
“Governor Ododo promised to restore peace to Yagba West and Yagba East as a whole. Today, he has backed those words with decisive action,” Olokun said.
“We can now heave a sigh of relief. The people of Yagba are grateful for his leadership and the results it is delivering.”