Lokoja, July 13, 2025 – The Kogi State Government has announced the uncovering of a deeply entrenched criminal network aiding kidnapping gangs across parts of the state, particularly in the Western Senatorial District. This revelation follows intensified joint security operations in Kabba/Bunu, Ijumu, Yagba East, and Yagba West Local Government Areas.
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The government’s offensive came in response to recent upsurges in insecurity, including the abduction and subsequent death of a retired Nigerian Army officer from Odo-Ape, and the kidnapping of a prominent farmer from Ponyan in Yagba East, among other incidents in Yagba West.
According to a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, several suspects have been arrested, including community-based informants accused of aiding the kidnappers.
One significant case involved the late Samson Enietan, a known informant whose death was initially reported as a suicide. However, the state government disputes this claim, suggesting he may have been eliminated by his criminal associates to prevent further exposure of their operations.
Further investigations into the abduction of the Ponyan-based farmer revealed an extensive network of local collaborators. Security operatives successfully rescued the farmer, along with other victims, in line with an earlier promise made by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo during a visit to Isanlu.
Another successful operation saw the rescue of victims abducted from Kiri in Kabba/Bunu LGA. Their accounts provided valuable leads, including the arrest of Babatunde Aledare, an alleged key informant from Ayetoro Kiri. His confessions reportedly led to additional arrests within 48 hours, shedding light on a highly organized internal support system enabling kidnappers in the state.
The security crackdown also uncovered disturbing patterns of logistical support from seemingly innocent sources. The government revealed that some bread sellers and sachet water producers were supplying food and drinks to kidnappers in forest hideouts, often transported by motorcycle operators. Fuel stations were also found selling petrol in containers for delivery to the criminals, while certain wood contractors allegedly traded supplies in exchange for protection within the forests.
“These discoveries are not only alarming but represent a critical threat to our collective security,” the statement read. “We are now taking decisive steps to dismantle these supply chains and prosecute those involved.”
The government has vowed strict penalties for anyone or any business caught aiding criminal activities. Food vendors, fuel station operators, and logistics providers found complicit will face immediate closure and prosecution.
Also under investigation are traditional rulers and local youth accused of selling land to criminal gangs, who allegedly used the land to build detention camps for kidnapped victims.
Governor Ododo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to securing the lives and properties of all Kogites, warning that “no one, regardless of status or position, will be spared if found guilty of enabling criminality.”
The state government has called on transport unions, market associations, and fuel station operators to warn their members against participating in any form of support to criminal groups. Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious activities to security agencies, with assurances that whistleblowers’ identities will be fully protected.
The government also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security chiefs for their continued support in combating insecurity in the state.
“Kogi will remain a no-go area for criminals and their collaborators,” the statement emphasized.
