Kogi Government Uncovers Criminal Network, Announces Arrests In Major Crackdown On Kidnapping

The Kogi State Government has uncovered a sophisticated network of criminal collaborators who have been aiding and abetting kidnapping gangs across several local government areas, especially in the Western Senatorial District. This revelation comes as part of an ongoing security crackdown following recent incidents of insecurity in parts of Kabba/Bunu, Ijumu, Yagba East, and Yagba West LGAs.

The state’s Joint Security Forces launched coordinated operations after a series of high-profile crimes, including the abduction and subsequent death of a retired army officer from Odo-Ape, the kidnapping of a well-known farmer in Ponyan, and multiple related attacks in Yagba West.

According to the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, one of the key breakthroughs in the operation came from the case of Samson Enietan, an alleged criminal informant. While preliminary accounts claimed he died by suicide, the government believes he was executed by co-conspirators attempting to prevent further exposure of their network.

The abduction of the Ponyan farmer also revealed a troubling trend: the involvement of local informants, many of whom were residents of the affected communities. Fanwo noted that these findings confirmed long-held suspicions of internal sabotage and local complicity in the security challenges plaguing the region.

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, who had earlier assured residents of Yagba that abducted victims would be rescued alive, delivered on his promise. The kidnapped farmer and several others were successfully freed and reunited with their families. Similar operations in Kiri, Kabba/Bunu LGA also led to the rescue of more victims, whose testimonies have helped security agencies deepen their investigations.

One significant arrest is that of Babatunde Aledare, a native of Ayetoro Kiri, who reportedly confessed to playing a role in the criminal syndicate. His statements have led to more arrests within the last 48 hours and confirmed the existence of a well-organized network of collaborators within the state.

Perhaps most disturbing are the patterns of support provided to kidnappers by local businesses and individuals. Fanwo disclosed that some bread sellers, sachet water vendors, and motorcycle operators have been supplying food and water to criminal hideouts. Others, including certain petrol stations, allegedly provided fuel in containers to power the kidnappers’ operations.

Wood contractors are also under scrutiny for allegedly trading supplies to criminal elements in exchange for “business protection” in forested areas. The government warned that any individual or business found aiding kidnappers—whether through logistics, supplies, or land provision—will face full prosecution as criminal enablers.

Investigations have also implicated some traditional rulers and youth leaders accused of selling parcels of land to known criminals, where detention camps for abducted victims were then established. Fanwo stated that the Ododo administration will not shield any individual, regardless of status, found complicit in such acts.

“The State Government is determined to cut off all supply chains to criminal camps,” Fanwo declared. “Those who feed, fund, or facilitate the operations of these gangs will be treated as part of the criminal structure itself.”

Governor Ododo reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to the safety and security of all Kogites, vowing to sustain the state’s reputation as a no-go area for criminals and their collaborators.

The government is calling on transport unions, market associations, and fuel station operators to urgently caution their members against any form of complicity. Citizens with credible intelligence have been urged to report to the nearest security agency, with full protection guaranteed for whistleblowers.

Fanwo concluded by expressing appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), and all heads of security agencies for their continued support. He also acknowledged the role of local security outfits in the government’s efforts to root out criminal elements from the state.

The press statement underscores the seriousness with which the Kogi State Government is confronting internal threats to security and affirms its resolve to restore peace and order across all parts of the state.