Operatives of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in Kogi State have arrested 26 suspected kidnappers in a joint security operation aimed at flushing out criminal elements from the western senatorial district of the state.
The security sweep, which lasted two weeks, was carried out in collaboration with other security agencies across forested areas of Kogi West.
It follows a string of high-profile abductions, including the recent kidnapping of a farmer, Chief Samuel Bello, in Yagba West Local Government Area, and the killing of retired military officer, Major Joe Ajayi, despite a ₦10 million ransom payment.
Addressing newsmen on Tuesday in Odo-Ape, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area, the Kogi State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (rtd.), disclosed that the suspects include both active kidnappers and local collaborators who allegedly supplied logistics, such as food, drinks, and information to the bandits hiding in the forests.
“It is not only the kidnap gangs in the forest that were arrested, but also the natives aiding and abetting them.
“These individuals serve as supply lines—bringing food, water, and other essentials to the criminals in hiding,” Omodara said.
He described the arrests as a result of intensified intelligence gathering and operational synergy among local vigilantes, the Civilian JTF, and national security outfits.
He confirmed that some of the suspects are already cooperating with security agencies to expose broader kidnapping networks.
Omodara emphasized that Governor Ahmed Ododo’s administration is taking proactive steps to rid Kogi State of all forms of criminality.
“We will not allow criminals to overrun our state. Kogi is not like other states where bandits roam freely. We are taking deliberate steps to ensure safety across all communities,” he said.
He noted that when insecurity surged in Benue State, Kogi State took precautionary action by reinforcing its borders with neighbouring local government areas like Olamaboro and Omala, preventing criminal spill-over.
Omodara also cautioned politicians, traditional leaders, and youths found collaborating with criminal elements to desist or face legal consequences.
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Also speaking, the Deputy Commandant of the Civilian Joint Task Force in Kogi West, Mr. Jeremiah Danjuma, revealed that 16 of the 26 arrested kidnap suspects were apprehended during a late-night raid in the Bunu forests.
“We recorded a major breakthrough during a cleanup operation last night. Among those arrested were notorious kidnappers, including individuals traced to Zamfara.
“Some have already been handed over to the DSS for further investigation,” Danjuma stated.
In his remarks, Oba Sunday Omodamori, the traditional ruler of Aiyegunle-Igun Bunu, condemned the involvement of local youths in aiding criminals.
“It is disheartening that some of our youths are collaborating with bandits. These criminals came from as far as Kebbi and Zamfara through Niger State to wreak havoc here,” the monarch said.
He praised Gov. Ododo and the state’s security architecture for empowering local vigilantes and hunters in affected communities.
