By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
KOGI State Government, in collaboration with security agencies and operatives of civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) has arrested 26 suspected kidnappers and their collaborators in a two-week clean-up operation across Kogi West Senatorial District.
State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (rtd), disclosed this while parading the suspects, including natives who supplied logistics to the bandits, to newsmen at Odo-Ape, Kabba-Bunu LGA.
Omodara expressed joy that the operation, aimed at tackling insecurity in the state, has yielded significant results.
“You can see the harvest of arrests via what the state Government is doing. These are the people causing havoc in our forests. We are not going to allow this to continue”, he said.
According to him, the operation followed the death of retired Major Joe Ajayi, who was kidnapped on May 21, 2025, at his residence in Odo-Ape, and killed on June 9, despite the payment of N10 million as ransom by his family.
Omodara said Governor Ahmed Ododo had vowed to ensure peace and security in Kogi State adding that the government would continue to work with security agencies to bring perpetrators to book.
The Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) and security agencies have been deployed to combat kidnapping and banditry.
According to Omodara, the arrested suspects include natives who have been aiding the activities of bandits by supplying them with logistics such as food, drinks, water, and others.
He reiterated government’s commitment to ensuring peace and security in Kogi State, warning politicians, traditional rulers, and youth who collaborate with kidnappers to desist from such activities.
“The Kogi Government is very serious about it, and that is why we are calling on Communities to imbibe first line of defense level, as vigilantes are allowed to carry certain levels of arms.
“We urge communities to develop some level of intelligence. Our women are currently being used to buy food and drinks and others, and sending it through some of the youths in the communities who are bandits collaborators.
“Governor Ahmed Ododo’s administration has vowed to ensure peace and security in Kogi State, taking proactive measures to prevent the influx of criminals from neighboring states”, the State Security Adviser said.
Mr. Jeremiah Danjuma, Deputy Commandant of the JTF in Kogi West, attributed the success in combating kidnapping and banditry to the collaborative efforts of the state and Federal Governments.
The traditional ruler of Aiyegunle-Igun Bunu community, Oba Sunday Omodamori, expressed sadness over a recent protest staged by disgruntled elements, describing it as “coming behind schedule” when insecurity issues have subsided.
The community has distanced itself from the protest, with the youth leader, Ojo Olayinka, clarifying that it wasn’t organized by their community. (Ends)