Kogi Government Uncovers Criminal Network, Makes Arrests in Major Crackdown on Kidnapping Gangs »

The Kogi State Government says it has uncovered an extensive criminal network of local informants, collaborators, and businesses aiding kidnapping gangs in the state’s Western Senatorial District. Officials say multiple arrests have been made in an ongoing security crackdown following a spate of abductions in Kabba/Bunu, Ijumu, Yagba East, and Yagba West Local Government Areas.

According to the state’s Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the security operation was launched in response to recent high-profile crimes, including the kidnapping and killing of a retired Nigerian Army officer from Odo-Ape, and the abduction of a prominent farmer in Ponyan, Yagba East.

Fanwo said joint security forces deployed across the affected local councils had already rescued several kidnapped victims, including the abducted farmer from Ponyan who was reunited with his family days after Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo personally assured residents in Isanlu that he would be freed alive. Victims taken from Kiri in Kabba/Bunu LGA were also rescued in another operation.

The Commissioner revealed that intelligence from freed hostages has led to multiple arrests, including that of Babatunde Aledare from Ayetoro Kiri in Kabba/Bunu. Aledare is said to have made detailed confessional statements, confirming the existence of a well-organized internal network of informants supporting kidnappers.

One case cited involved the death of Samson Enietan, described as a notorious criminal informant who allegedly committed suicide after exposure. However, the state government said it suspects he was executed by his fellow conspirators to prevent him from revealing more names.

Investigators also uncovered a complex supply chain enabling the gangs to operate from forest hideouts. Some bread sellers and sachet water factories, the government said, have been supplying food and water through motorcycle couriers. Certain fuel stations were found selling petrol in containers destined for the criminals. Wood contractors were also implicated in delivering supplies to kidnappers in exchange for “business protection” in forested areas.

Even more troubling, Fanwo said, is evidence that some traditional rulers and youths sold parcels of land to known criminal elements, allegedly used to build detention camps for kidnapped victims.

The Kogi State Government vowed tough measures against all who aid criminal operations. Vendors and businesses caught supplying kidnappers will be prosecuted as direct accomplices. Fuel stations selling petrol to kidnappers will be shut and their owners prosecuted.

Governor Ododo reiterated his administration’s commitment to making Kogi a “no-go area” for criminals and their collaborators. He urged transport unions, market associations, and fuel station operators to warn members against providing any form of logistical support to criminals.

The government called on citizens with credible information to report to security agencies, assuring them of full protection for whistleblowers.

Fanwo thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support, as well as the National Security Adviser, the Director-General of the DSS, and other security heads for their role in boosting security in Kogi State.