By John Moses
Security operatives in Nigeria’s Kogi State have arrested 26 suspected kidnappers during a coordinated sweep aimed at dismantling criminal networks operating in the western region of the state.
The arrests were carried out over the past two weeks in a series of joint operations by the Joint Task Force (JTF) and other security agencies targeting forested areas in Kogi West. The operation, authorities say, was launched in direct response to escalating incidents of banditry and abduction.
Speaking to journalists at the security base in Odo-Ape, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area, the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (retired), said several of those arrested were local collaborators who supplied bandits with food, water, and logistics support.
“Not only were the armed kidnappers apprehended, but also their enablers—locals who served as informants and suppliers,” Omodara stated. “Our intelligence-gathering revealed a disturbing level of internal complicity, particularly after the tragic death of retired Major Joe Ajayi, who was kidnapped in May and later died in captivity despite a ransom payment.”
He said the suspects are currently being interrogated and have provided useful information to security agencies.
The security adviser also revealed that women in some communities were being used as couriers to procure items for the bandits, using unsuspecting youths to deliver supplies into remote forest camps.
Omodara warned that politicians, traditional rulers, and community members found aiding criminal activity would be prosecuted, stressing that the government would not tolerate sabotage.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commandant of the Civilian JTF, Mr Jeremiah Danjuma, reported the arrest of 16 suspects during a night raid in the Bunu forests, including several individuals allegedly from Zamfara State in north-western Nigeria.
Danjuma commended the Kogi State government for supporting the creation of the Civilian JTF, which he said had been instrumental in pushing back against the criminal gangs.
Local leaders echoed government sentiments. Oba Sunday Omodamori, traditional ruler of the Aiyegunle-Igun Bunu community, dismissed a recent protest reportedly staged by youths as the work of “disgruntled elements” collaborating with external criminal groups.
“These kidnappers came from far-off places like Kebbi and Zamfara and infiltrated our communities,” he said. “But the state government acted swiftly. Our local vigilantes have stood strong with full support.”
Ojo Olayinka, Youth Leader of Aiyegunle-Igun, confirmed that the protest was not organised by his community, attributing it to opportunistic elements exploiting market day gatherings. He also acknowledged a noticeable reduction in kidnapping incidents due to improved security efforts.
Kogi State remains a strategic corridor in Nigeria’s north-central region, and officials say they are reinforcing border defences to prevent the spillover of criminal activity from neighbouring states.
