Kogi Govt Destroys Bandits’ Camps, Arrests Two Wounded Suspects in Kabba-Bunu

The Kogi State Government has intensified its offensive against banditry and other forms of criminality, with the demolition of several bandits’ camps and the arrest of two wounded suspects in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area.

In a coordinated operation led by the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (rtd), the combined security forces on Thursday stormed Aherin-Bunu community, where they demolished and set ablaze the criminals’ hideouts, including makeshift clinics and farmlands believed to be owned by the bandits.

Omodara told journalists at the scene that the two injured bandits were arrested alongside their so-called “local doctors” who had been secretly treating them after they sustained gunshot wounds during an earlier encounter with security operatives.

Acting on intelligence reports, security operatives raided the settlement and apprehended the suspects, following which Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo ordered the immediate destruction of all identified bandits’ camps and facilities.

“The Governor directed that any house or facility used in harbouring or treating bandits should be demolished. We have arrested the fake doctors involved and are sending a clear message that anyone aiding or collaborating with criminals will face the full wrath of the law,” Omodara said.

He reiterated that security forces have intensified surveillance and patrols across the state, making it increasingly difficult for criminals to find safe havens.

“We will not tolerate any form of support for banditry or criminality. The government of Alhaji Ahmed Ododo is fully committed to sustaining the ongoing security operations until every inch of Kogi is safe,” he declared.

The security adviser further noted that the recent successes are part of a larger strategy by the Ododo administration to completely dismantle criminal networks operating in parts of the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the operation led by Omodara saw security operatives demolish the bandits’ hideouts, torch their farmlands and destroy stored produce during Thursday’s crackdown.