Operatives of the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) in Kogi State have arrested 26 suspected kidnappers, including local collaborators who allegedly provided logistics support to bandits operating in the region.
The State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (rtd), disclosed this information while parading the suspects. He explained that the arrests were made in collaboration with security agencies during a clean-up operation in Kogi West over the past two weeks.
Local Collaborators Exposed
According to Omodara, the operation targeted not only the kidnappers hiding in forests but also local residents who have been supporting their activities by providing essential supplies.
"It is not only the kidnappers' group in the forest that have been arrested but also the natives that are collaborating with them," Omodara stated. "They serve as logistics suppliers to the bandits and kidnappers in the bush."
The security adviser revealed that a thorough investigation following the death of kidnapped retired Major Joe Ajayi uncovered the involvement of local residents in the kidnapping operations.
Government's Commitment to Security
Omodara emphasized the state government's determination to combat insecurity, stating, "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 it; we will be after them because Kogi is not any other state that criminals, bandits, and kidnappers will want to ride on and occupy."
He called on communities to establish their first line of defense and develop intelligence networks, noting that vigilantes are permitted to carry certain levels of arms. The security adviser also expressed concern that women in the communities were being used to purchase supplies for bandits, which were then delivered by youth collaborators.
Omodara suggested that the government's intensified efforts to apprehend criminals had prompted "disgruntled elements outside the state" to orchestrate a recent protest, though he claimed that local communities had distanced themselves from these demonstrations.
The arrested suspects are reportedly assisting security agencies in their investigation to uncover the root causes of increased kidnapping activities in the region.
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