The Kogi State Government says it has uncovered a sprawling criminal network aiding kidnapping gangs in parts of the state and has begun a massive crackdown to dismantle their operations.
The discovery was made during a series of coordinated security operations across Kabba/Bunu, Ijumu, Yagba East, and Yagba West Local Government Areas.
This was contained in a statement signed by the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, on Sunday.
The statement noted that the clampdown followed recent abductions, including the killing of a retired Army officer from Odo-Ape and the kidnapping of a prominent farmer from Ponyan in Yagba East.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, while assuring residents of the state’s commitment to peace and security, vowed that all individuals or businesses aiding criminal elements would face the full weight of the law.
He also confirmed that several victims had been rescued alive and reunited with their families in the past few days.
The statement reads in part:“The Kogi State Government has uncovered a wide and deeply troubling network of criminal collaborators aiding kidnapping gangs operating in parts of the state, particularly in some parts of the Western Senatorial District. This follows targeted security operations in Kabba/Bunu, Ijumu, Yagba East, and Yagba West Local Government Areas, launched after recent flashes of insecurity in the areas.
“A massive security crackdown was initiated by the Joint Security Forces in the state, following the kidnap and subsequent death of a retired officer of the Nigerian Army from Odo-Ape, the abduction of a prominent farmer from Ponyan in Yagba East, and several other related incidents in Yagba West. These events triggered coordinated operations across the affected LGAs, aimed at rescuing victims and apprehending those behind the crimes.
“One of the key revelations from these operations emerged from the case of late Samson Enietan, a notorious criminal informant who was alleged to have committed suicide after his activities were exposed. While preliminary claims suggest he committed suicide, the Kogi State Government disputes this version of events, pointing instead to a likely internal execution by fellow conspirators, afraid he might expose more names.
“Similarly, the kidnapping of the farmer from Ponyan has spotlighted the alarming level of internal collaboration, as several informants, most of them locals, have been identified as critical enablers of the criminal operations. These developments affirm the long-standing suspicion that some residents are directly involved in undermining the security of their own communities.”
“Consequently, food and water vendors found supplying kidnappers will be prosecuted as criminal enablers. Fuel stations identified as selling petrol for use in criminal hideouts will be shut down immediately, and their proprietors prosecuted. The same strict actions will apply to individuals or businesses providing logistical support to criminal operations in any form.”
Governor Ododo reiterated that Kogi would maintain its reputation as a no-go area for criminals and their collaborators, calling on residents to cooperate with security agencies to ensure lasting peace in the state.