The Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in Kogi State, in collaboration with other security agencies, has arrested 26 suspected kidnappers during a major security sweep in Kogi West.
Commander Jerry Omodara (retd.), the State Security Adviser, disclosed this on Tuesday while parading the suspects in Odo-Ape, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area. The arrests follow the recent abduction of Chief Samuel Bello in Yagba West and the killing of retired Major Joe Ajayi, who was kidnapped from his home in Odo-Ape despite a ₦10 million ransom payment.
Omodara stated that the two-week operation is part of Governor Ahmed Ododo’s proactive security strategy to rid the state of criminal elements. He revealed that several locals were among those arrested for aiding kidnappers with logistics, including food and supplies.
“It’s not just the kidnappers in the forests who were apprehended. We’ve also arrested locals serving as their logistics backbone,” Omodara said. “Investigations following the killing of Major Ajayi exposed the involvement of some community members. These suspects are now helping us trace the roots of the kidnapping crisis.”
He emphasized the government’s zero-tolerance stance on crime, warning that Kogi will not serve as a haven for bandits or criminal networks.
Omodara urged communities to bolster grassroots security by supporting local vigilantes, who are permitted to bear arms at certain levels, and to enhance intelligence gathering. He also warned that women are being exploited to deliver supplies to bandits, often through youth collaborators in the communities.
He linked recent protests in the state to external influences seeking to undermine the government’s efforts. “Some individuals outside Kogi orchestrated the protests, but the affected communities have disassociated themselves,” he said.
Omodara reassured citizens that Governor Ododo remains committed to restoring peace across the state. He pointed to security defenses set up along border areas like Olamaboro and Omala to prevent the inflow of criminals from neighboring states.
Deputy Commandant of the CJTF in Kogi West, Jeremiah Danjuma, praised the joint effort of state and federal authorities, stating that the recent forest raids resulted in the arrest of 16 suspected kidnappers, some of whom came from Zamfara.
“Some of the most dangerous suspects have already been handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS) for further investigation,” Danjuma added.
Oba Sunday Omodamori, the traditional ruler of Aiyegunle-Igun Bunu, condemned the actions of locals collaborating with criminal elements and denounced the recent protests.
“These bandits have infiltrated our communities from as far as Kebbi and Zamfara. Fortunately, the government responded swiftly,” the monarch said. “It is disappointing that some of our youths are working with them. That’s the real issue we should be addressing, not staging protests against a government actively fighting insecurity.”
The Kogi State Government reiterated its resolve to continue working with all security agencies to flush out kidnappers and restore lasting peace to the state.
