Wednesday, June 18, 2025 Operatives of the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) in Kogi State have arrested 26 kidnappers in a collaborative clean-up operation with security agencies in Kogi West. The State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (rtd), disclosed this to newsmen while parading the suspects on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, in Odo-Ape, Kabba-Bunu LGA.
Omodara emphasized that the operation, conducted over the
past two weeks, is part of the government’s efforts to combat insecurity in the
state. He revealed that among those arrested were locals who had been assisting
the bandits by supplying them with logistics such as food, drinks, and water.
“It is not just the kidnappers in the forest that we have
apprehended; we have also taken into custody the locals who are collaborating
with them. These individuals serve as their suppliers of food and other
necessities,” he stated.
“Our investigation following the tragic death of retired
Major Joe Ajayi indicated that some locals were involved in this criminal
activity. The arrested suspects are currently aiding security agencies in
uncovering the root causes of the increasing kidnappings in the area.”
Omodara reiterated the state government's commitment to
ensuring that Kogi does not become a safe haven for criminals, bandits, and
kidnappers. “The Kogi government is very serious about this issue. We urge
communities to take responsibility as the first line of defence; vigilantes are
permitted to carry certain levels of arms. We encourage communities to develop
their own intelligence-gathering capabilities.”
He pointed out that women in the community are being
exploited by bandits to purchase food, drinks, and other items, which are then
supplied by local youths collaborating with these criminals. “As we delve
deeper into addressing these criminal activities, we are aware that some
disgruntled individuals from outside the state are attempting to orchestrate
protests. However, the community has distanced itself from these protests.”
Deputy Commandant of the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) in
Kogi West, Mr. Jeremiah Danjuma, attributed the successes in combating
kidnapping and banditry to the cooperation between state and federal
governments. "Through our joint efforts, we formed the Civilian JTF, which
has achieved significant successes. Our recent operation in the Bunu forests
resulted in the apprehension of 16 bandits and kidnappers, including some from
Zamfara. Many of those arrested have been handed over to the Department of
State Services (DSS) for further investigation,” Danjuma reported.
The traditional ruler of Aiyegunle-Igun Bunu, Oba Sunday
Omodamori, expressed concern over a recent protest allegedly organized by
disgruntled individuals. “We have learned that these bandits traveled from
Kebbi and Zamfara through Niger State to our community, and began kidnapping
people. However, the Kogi State government has responded decisively to address
this issue. Local vigilantes and hunters have always been present and receive
full support from the state government.”
He criticised the timing of the protest, noting that it came
when insecurity levels had already diminished. “I am truly disappointed; it is
disheartening that some youths, acting out of discontent, are collaborating
with bandits. We need to address such individuals in our community rather than
voicing grievances about the government not taking action.”
0 Comments