Kogi govt uncovers criminal networks of kidnappers, talks tough

By Richard Elesho\Kogi

The Kogi State Government said it 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.

Kogi Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo in a statement added that 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.

According to him, 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.

He added that the 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.

“Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, during a recent event in Isanlu, assured the people of Yagba that those kidnapped would be rescued alive. True to that assurance, the farmer and several others were freed and reunited with their families just days later through a sustained rescue effort.

“In another operation, victims kidnapped from Kiri in Kabba/Bunu LGA were also successfully rescued. Their testimonies have provided valuable leads and have strengthened the Government’s resolve to dismantle the criminal networks behind the attacks. Based on intelligence gathered from the victims, security operatives have made additional arrests, including that of a key informant, Babatunde Aledare, a native of Ayetoro Kiri in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area. He is currently in custody and has made detailed confessional statements about his role in the criminal ring. His revelations have led to more arrests in the past 48 hours, confirming the existence of a well-coordinated internal network enabling the operations of kidnapping gangs in Kogi State.

“Further investigations have brought to light some shocking patterns of collaboration from unlikely quarters. Evidence points to some bread sellers and sachet water factories supplying food and water directly to kidnappers in forest hideouts. These supplies are often transported by motorcycle operators acting as couriers between town-based vendors and criminal camps in the bush. This logistical link has allowed criminal elements to remain embedded in remote areas for extended periods.

“In addition, certain fuel stations have been found complicit in selling petrol in containers, which is then delivered to the kidnappers to power their operations. Even more disturbing is the discovery that some wood contractors are also involved, supplying food and basic items to criminal groups in exchange for “business protection” in the forests where they operate.

“These disturbing revelations are critical to the State Government’s renewed resolve to cut off all supply chains to criminal camps. As the investigations continue, the Government is already reviewing measures to dismantle this illicit support network. Any individual or business caught aiding the operations of kidnappers, whether through sales, logistics, or land provision, will be treated as a direct accomplice and will face the full weight of the law.

“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.

“Even more alarming is the involvement of some traditional rulers and some youths who are now under investigation for allegedly selling parcels of land to known criminal elements. These parcels are reportedly being used to build detention camps and shelters for kidnapped victims. The Government affirms that no one, regardless of status or position, will be spared if found guilty of enabling or abetting criminality.

The government urged transport unions, market associations, fuel station operators, and all residents to take immediate steps in warning their members against any involvement in the logistical supply chain of criminals,, adding that it will spare no criminal and no enabler, and will not compromise the safety of its citizens under any circumstance.

“Citizens with credible information are encouraged to report to the nearest security agency. The identities of all whistleblowers will be fully protected. Kogi State remains committed to decisive action and to building a future where peace and security are not just promises but realities. We urge communities to cooperate with the State Government in its renewed efforts at ensuring security of lives and property across the state.

The statement thanked President Bola Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, and the security agencies for their efforts aimed at making the state safe, secured, and peaceful for all.