Joint Security Operatives Arrest 12 Kidnappers, Informant, Rescue Victims
Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja
As part of efforts to ensure adequate security of lives and property in Kogi State, the joint security operatives of Kogi and Kwara States have arrested no fewer than 12 suspected kidnappers and one informant in Egbe and Patigi /Lafiagi axis, respectively.
This was contained in a statement signed by the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, and made available to journalists in Lokoja yesterday.
Fanwo explained that the suspects were apprehended during a series of raids jointly executed by the Hybrid Force from the Office of the National Security Adviser, and officers and men of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Egbe.
The operations covered Isanlu-Esa and Okoloke in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, and Patigi, Lafiagi and Gbugbu in Kwara State.
According to him, the suspected kidnappers arrested are 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, while Rabiu Makeri was apprehended as an informant for the gang.
The commissioner noted that the 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.
He said: “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. We also commend the Kwara State Government for their cooperation, which has yielded this outstanding result.
“Peace has returned to Kogi West as the criminals that moved from Kwara into our communities have now been disrupted. There will be no hiding place for the criminals.
“One of the security agents who confronted the kidnappers was shot and he is currently receiving medical treatment at an undisclosed hospital in Yagba West Local Government Area of the state. The state Governor, Usman Ododo, has offered to cover all the costs of treatment.”
He further assured the public that the arrested suspects would face full prosecution after investigations, reaffirming the state zero-tolerance stance 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 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 emphasised its ongoing commitment to working with federal and regional partners to ensure the safety and security of all communities within the state.
