12 Suspected Kidnappers, Informant Arrested in Kogi-Kwara Security Raid

By Ohworisi Elohor

Twelve suspected kidnappers and an alleged informant were arrested during a coordinated security operation across parts of Kogi and Kwara States.

The arrests were disclosed on Wednesday in Lokoja by the Kogi State Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, who confirmed that several victims were also rescued during the operation.

According to Fanwo, the suspects were apprehended in a joint operation carried out by personnel of the Hybrid Force from the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Forward Operating Base (FOB), Egbe. The raids were conducted in Isanlu-Esa and Okoloke in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, and in Patigi, Lafiagi, and Gbugbu in Kwara State.

The names of the arrested suspects were given 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. One Rabiu Makeri was also arrested on suspicion of serving as an informant for the gang.

During the operation, the security forces reportedly engaged the kidnappers in a fierce gun duel. Several of the suspects were said to have fled, abandoning their motorcycles and captives. A number of kidnapped women were successfully rescued during the confrontation.

Commendation was given to the security operatives for their bravery and professionalism. Appreciation was also extended to the Kwara State Government for the support provided throughout the operation.

It was noted that one security personnel sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange and was receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital in Yagba West. Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo was said to have taken responsibility for all medical expenses related to the officer’s treatment.

The commissioner reiterated the state government’s zero tolerance for criminality and assured that the suspects would be fully prosecuted after the conclusion of investigations.

In his reaction, the Executive Chairman of Yagba West and Chairman of Kogi ALGON, Tosin Olokun, praised the security agents for their efforts and expressed gratitude to Governor Ododo for backing his promise to restore peace in Yagba with decisive action.

“With this operation, the criminal routes from Kwara into Kogi communities have been disrupted. Peace has returned to Kogi West, and the people of Yagba can now heave a sigh of relief,” he stated.